The United Kingdom government has confirmed plans to restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 16. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that these regulations are scheduled for implementation by early 2027, with the necessary legal framework expected to be established before the end of this year.
Major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube will be subject to these new rules. The legislation targets sites focused on social interaction and public content sharing. Additionally, the mandate prohibits livestreaming features for younger users and restricts direct communication from strangers. These safety settings will remain active for 16 and 17-year-olds to ensure a gradual transition rather than an abrupt cutoff.
Government officials clarified that private messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal remain exempt from this ban. Furthermore, the policy introduces strict age requirements for artificial intelligence services. Chatbots that facilitate romantic or intimate interactions must now verify that users are at least 18 years old. Authorities are also exploring potential nighttime usage curfews for older adolescents, with additional details anticipated in July.
While the government frames this as a necessary step for digital child safety, some experts, including representatives from Scotland’s children’s office, have raised concerns that such restrictions could push minors toward unregulated or hazardous corners of the internet.
