UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s From 2027

The British government has announced a ban on social media access for all users under 16, set to take effect in spring 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed the plans on June 15, 2026, describing the measure as "the right step for Britain" and the best way to keep children safe online.

The ban targets major social platforms. It will cover Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Services whose primary purpose is to enable social interaction and allow users to post material will fall under the rules, though an exhaustive list has not yet been released.

Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are excluded from the ban. Most platforms already require users to be over 13 to create accounts.

Additional safeguards extend to livestreaming and stranger contact. Platforms must prevent under-16s from livestreaming, including on gaming services, and block functions that allow strangers to contact children. These restrictions will apply by default to under-17s to prevent a sharp cutoff at age 16.

"Romantic companion" chatbots that simulate sexual relationships will enforce a minimum age of 18. AI chatbots in general must restrict intimate functionalities for users under 18.

Legislation is planned before Christmas 2026. Starmer intends to introduce the bill ahead of the spring 2027 rollout. The government cited responses to its "Growing Up in the Online World" consultation, which showed 90 percent of parents supported a minimum age of 16 for access to the apps.

Starmer acknowledged the decision was not taken lightly. "This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong," he said. "But government is always about choices, and it's clear to me that a total ban is the right choice."

He added that the safety and happiness of children could not be compromised. "I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and that is why this ban will happen," Starmer stated. The plan goes further than a similar ban introduced in Australia, according to multiple reports.

Consultation and international examples shaped the policy. Starmer said the government sought a wide range of views, listened to people, examined the evidence, and learned from countries like Australia taking similar steps. The New York Times reports the announcement follows weeks of national debate on online protections for children.

MLex reports that additional considerations, such as overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scroll for under-18s, were part of the broader discussion. Enforcement will present challenges, Starmer conceded, noting it will be hard to legislate, regulate, and enforce.