The UK government has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, with new restrictions also set to impact gaming platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that stricter rules will be implemented, aiming to bring the ban into effect by Spring 2027.
Scope of the Ban
The ban will affect underage users of platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok, with enforcement targeting tech firms that Starmer says have “had their chance and failed”. Even YouTube and gaming platforms are set to be targeted in an attempt to reduce children's online time.
Government officials have confirmed that the restrictions will cover live-streaming and communication with strangers for children on gaming platforms. However, the ban will not prevent children from playing multiplayer games online.
Impact on Gaming Platforms
Children under 16 will not be able to stream themselves through gaming platforms. For 16 and 17-year-olds, restrictions on live-streaming and stranger communication will be set as 'on by default' to prevent a 'cliff-edge' upon turning 16.
A definitive list of affected gaming and social media providers is yet to be announced, but several platforms that have faced criticism are likely to be impacted. Roblox, which has faced intense scrutiny in the UK and US, may require a significant overhaul. Public text and voice chat features may need to be switched off for under-16s, and young content creators who stream directly through Roblox will no longer be permitted to do so.
Other titles expected to be impacted include Fortnite, which could see communication between strangers blocked by default for younger players, and Minecraft, which may need to overhaul its user-hosted multiplayer servers. Discord, a communications app deeply ingrained in the gaming community, may also fall under the scope of the new legislation.
Government's Stance
Starmer declared war on tech companies, stating: “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.”
The government has indicated its intention to examine Australia's model of online safety legislation for children. While the proposals stop short of banning messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Signal, Discord may be brought within the remit of the new law.
