The Trump administration has urged the UK not to impose a social media ban for under-16s, warning that such restrictions could place a “disproportionate” burden on American technology companies. In a submission to a UK government consultation on online safety, the US government opposed “prescribed one-size-fits-all government restrictions” and “blunt regulatory instruments” to address online harms to children.
The notice, published by the US embassy in London, argued that age-gating for 13- to 16-year-olds would not work, stating that “technical methods developed to distinguish minors from adults cannot simply be repurposed for younger thresholds.” Instead, the White House called on the UK to provide parents with “robust tools” to manage their children’s privacy settings and account controls, and to require platforms to offer a healthy online experience “rather than outright bans.”
The UK approach to online safety has been a source of tension between the White House and Downing Street, with the Online Safety Act attracting criticism from across the Atlantic over free speech concerns. US Vice-President JD Vance has said free speech in the UK is “in retreat,” while one senior Republican congressman described the act as the “UK’s online censorship law.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a ban on “harmful” social media apps next week, alongside other restrictive measures such as blocks on conversations with strangers on gaming platforms and limits on AI chatbot use. Exemptions are expected for “educational” platforms, with reports that YouTube Kids could be carved out of the ban. In Australia, a blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media has already been implemented, blocking platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
The White House expressed concern that the UK and EU are taking a legislative path that singles out US tech firms. The US embassy notice said: “We have concerns about regulations that impose disproportionate compliance burdens on American companies or that apply to one platform but not similar services.” A UK government spokesperson said: “We’ve been clear we are determined to act quickly, but we will do so in a way that is effective, enforceable and genuinely keeps children safe.” However, ministers are mindful of the threat of a judicial review of the process, with Meta already seeking a judicial review of the fees and fines regime under the Online Safety Act.
