UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a complete prohibition on social media for individuals under the age of 16, set to be enforced by Spring 2027. The move, unveiled during a Downing Street press conference on Monday, June 15, 2026, represents a significant step in the government's online safety drive.
Prime Minister's Statement
Starmer described the decision as a "big moment for the country" and emphasized that it was not made lightly. He acknowledged the benefits social media has brought to young people but stated 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," he added.
Timeline and Scope
The prohibition is expected to take effect in Spring 2027, with regulations aiming to pass before Christmas 2026. In addition to the ban, the government will introduce restrictions on features such as livestreaming and communication with strangers for under-16s across a broader range of online services, including gaming platforms. For 16 and 17-year-olds, limitations on these capabilities will be activated by default to avoid a sudden transition at age 16. The government will also examine overnight curfews and interruptions to infinite scrolling for under-18s, with further details to be announced in July.
AI Chatbot Restrictions
AI 'romantic companion' chatbots designed to simulate sexual relationships or engage in roleplay will require a minimum age restriction of 18. Comparable intimate features will be prohibited for under-18s across AI chatbots more broadly.
Platforms Affected
The ban will cover platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. However, messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the social media ban.
Starmer concluded: "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."
