Every social media platform set to be banned under new government legislation for under-16s has been revealed. Earlier today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the ban will come into force, with an expected timeline of spring next year.
Platforms Included in the Ban
The ban covers popular platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The government has clarified that messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included.
Additional Restrictions
The government will also introduce "world-leading blocks" on harmful functions like live-streaming and stranger communication with children for under-16s. These restrictions will apply to a wider range of online services, including gaming sites. For under-16 and 17-year-olds, these restrictions will be enabled by default to prevent a cliff-edge at age 16.
The government is also considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, with further details expected in July.
AI Chatbot Restrictions
New measures include a minimum age of 18 for AI "romantic companion" chatbots designed to simulate sexual relationships or roleplay. Similar intimate functionalities will be restricted for under-18s on AI chatbots more broadly.
Government Stance
The social media ban and restrictions are described as a "decisive first step" by the government, marking a clear choice to put children's wellbeing first. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: "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. That's why we're going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back. 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."
