The UK government has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, set to take effect by spring 2025. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the move as a "big moment for our country" and a necessary step to protect children from harmful online content. The ban will hold technology companies, not children, responsible for enforcement, with measures including age verification through facial estimates, photo ID, or bank checks.
Reactions from Campaigners and Tech Firms
Bereaved parents and child safety advocates welcomed the announcement as a "watershed moment for child protection." Ellen Roome, whose son Jools Sweeney died in 2022, expressed emotional relief, though she noted the change comes "too late" for her child. However, some tech giants and online safety groups criticized the ban. The Molly Rose Foundation, established after Molly Russell's death in 2017, warned it could be "unenforceable" and might drive children to unregulated spaces. They argued that the ban fails to address "fundamental product safety issues," such as harmful content amplified by algorithms.
Scope and Exemptions
The ban will cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exempt messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. Services like YouTube Kids, Lego Play, and Google Classroom will also not be affected. Additional measures include preventing children from chatting with adults on gaming and livestreaming platforms, potential overnight curfews, and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s. AI "romantic companion" chatbots will require users to be at least 18.
Political and Public Response
The announcement comes amid political pressure, with the Prime Minister facing a by-election in Makerfield. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed Sir Keir performed a U-turn on the issue, while Reform UK's Nigel Farage expressed skepticism about enforcement due to widespread VPN use. The NSPCC called it a "watershed moment," urging robust age checks and enforcement. However, England's Children's Commissioner suggested extending the ban to all under-18s, and Save The Children UK echoed concerns about pushing children into less regulated spaces.
Comparison with Australia
The UK ban follows a similar move in Australia, which faced criticism over enforcement challenges, including children using VPNs. The UK government plans to use highly-effective age assurance measures to mitigate such workarounds. Sir Keir compared the ban to alcohol restrictions, stating that difficulties in enforcement should not lead to abandoning the effort.
