UK to block under-16s from social media by spring 2027 with age checks
TL;DR
Britain’s Labour government unveiled a plan to ban under-16s from social media by spring 2027, backed by age‑verification measures. The ban would cover major platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while WhatsApp and Signal would remain unaffected and YouTube Kids would continue for under‑16s. Roblox would see restrictions rather than a blanket ban. While pitched as protecting young people, officials acknowledge enforcement challenges and potential VPN workarounds, and critics warn the policy isn’t a silver bullet and could have broader social impacts.
- How will the under-16s social media ban work and what apps will it hit? We answer your questions BBC
- What to Know About Planned Social Media Bans in Australia, the U.K. and Beyond The New York Times
- Britain announces sweeping ban on most social media for children under 16 The Washington Post
- TikTok and YouTube will be banned for kids under-16 in Britain, says PM Starmer Fast Company
- Social media ban is Starmer’s desperate scramble for a legacy The Telegraph
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