Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced sweeping online reforms in the UK, including a full ban on under-16s accessing social media platforms. The announcement was made at a Downing Street press conference on Monday, 15 June 2026, which Starmer called a "big moment for the country."
Ban Details
Speaking to a room of campaigners and reporters, Starmer said it was clear to him that "a full ban is the right choice." He added: "This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong. But government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. I come to it as a parent myself. I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we’re thinking about this issue."
The ban is expected to come into force in Spring 2027, with regulation hoping to pass before Christmas 2026, according to Starmer. Number 10 said it will also implement blocks on functions such as livestreaming and stranger communication with children for under-16s across a wider range of online services, including gaming sites. Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for under-16 and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff-edge at 16.
The Government said it will also look in more detail at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18-year-olds, with further details to be set out in July. So-called AI 'romantic companion' chatbots, designed to simulate sexual relationships or roleplay with users, will have to enforce a minimum age of 18. Similar intimate functionalities will be restricted for under-18s on AI chatbots more widely.
Platforms Included in the Ban
The Government said the ban will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. However, messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will NOT be included in the social media ban.
Prime Minister Keir 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. 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."
