Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK government will not introduce restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs) for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds, opting instead for a midnight to 6am social media curfew for younger users. The decision follows government research showing that only seven to ten per cent of children use VPNs to bypass age checks, and concerns that such restrictions could infringe on free speech.
Government Research and Decision
The government commissioned research which found little evidence that VPNs are widely used by children to circumvent age verification systems. Based on these findings, ministers concluded that a ban would be disproportionate and potentially harmful to civil liberties. A government spokesperson stated, "We have listened to the evidence and the concerns about free speech. Our focus is on effective, targeted measures that protect children without unnecessary restrictions."
Midnight to 6am Social Media Curfew
Instead of a VPN ban, the government will implement a social media curfew from midnight to 6am for younger users. This policy aims to reduce late-night screen time and improve sleep, school performance, and family interactions. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said, "These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life."
Reactions from Key Figures
Dame Rachel de Souza, children's commissioner for England, welcomed the curfew but called for more details on implementation. "We have to listen to young people. They don't want a ban, but they do want to be protected from addictive, infinite scrolling. I want to know more about how the policies, such as a curfew, will be delivered and will be watching closely to make sure they are effective – alongside pushing Ofcom to make full use of its powers to make the online world safer for children," she said.
Benefits of the Curfew
The government cited trials of the curfew that showed significant benefits, including improved sleep for young people, more engaging and communicative family evenings, and a less burdensome setup for parents. Ms. Kendall added, "These findings show what parents have been telling us all along: when children spend less time on social media, the benefits are real." The curfew is part of a broader strategy to balance online safety with freedom of expression, ensuring that young people can enjoy technology while being protected from its harms.
