The UK government plans to ban social media for under-16s by spring 2025, with legislation expected before Christmas. Technology secretary Liz Kendall announced that Ofcom will be tasked with designing online age verification plans by October and will report annually to parliament on how effectively social media firms are keeping minors off their platforms.
Kendall emphasized the need for speed, noting that the previous government took eight years from identifying the problem to passing the Online Safety Act. 'We took powers earlier this year to make sure we could move at speed,' she said. The ban will be enacted via secondary legislation using powers already granted.
However, major tech companies have warned that the restrictions could push teenagers towards more harmful, unregulated platforms. The government remains committed to the timeline, aiming to pass regulation before Christmas and enforce the ban by spring.
