The UK government has officially announced a landmark ban on social media for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the "Australia Plus" model, calling it a "line in the sand" to protect children from addictive algorithms and give them their childhoods back.
Which Platforms Are Banned?
The law targets user-to-user platforms that rely heavily on algorithmic feeds to push user-generated content. The banned platforms include:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
Notably, messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban, according to the government.
What Is the 'Australia Plus' Model?
While the UK is adopting the under-16 ban framework pioneered by Australia, the Labour government is going further by implementing world-first restrictions on specific online features across a wider range of services:
- No Strangers in Gaming: Features allowing unknown users to message or voice-chat with children will be blocked on gaming platforms and other non-social media sites.
- Livestreaming Blocks: Under-16s will be blocked from accessing livestreaming features.
- Default Safeguards for 16- and 17-Year-Olds: Features like stranger communication and livestreaming will be switched off by default for older teens.
- Bans on AI 'Companions': Under-18s will be strictly banned from accessing artificial intelligence "romantic companion" chatbots.
- Curfews Under Review: The government is drawing up plans for overnight scrolling curfews and enforced breaks in "infinite scrolling" for all minors under 18, with details expected in July.
How Will the Ban Be Enforced?
The burden of proof is placed entirely on tech companies, not on parents or children. Ofcom has been tasked with conducting an immediate rapid study into the most effective age assurance technologies to verify if a user is over 16. Tech giants that fail to properly age-gate their platforms and keep under-16s off will face multi-million-pound fines.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Today we take a bold and significant step towards creating a safer, healthier life online for our children and future generations. Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act. That is why we are taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents' hands."
The announcement follows a massive national consultation showing that 9 in 10 parents back the restrictions. Starmer said: "Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever. I've heard first-hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them. This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we're stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations."
