UK to Ban Social Media Access for Under-16s in Sweeping Online Safety Crackdown

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced plans to ban social media use for children under 16, alongside new restrictions on gaming and live-streaming platforms, in what he described as a major effort to strengthen online child safety.

The proposed measures would target platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as online gaming services that allow communication between children and strangers. The government said the reforms aim to curb harmful online exposure and reduce risks associated with social media use among minors.

Starmer said the changes would “give kids their childhood back,” framing the policy as a response to growing concerns over the influence of large technology companies and the impact of digital platforms on young users.

If implemented, the policy would represent one of the strictest social media age restrictions globally, exceeding measures currently in place in most other countries.

The announcement comes amid a broader push by the UK government to regulate digital platforms and strengthen safeguards for children online, particularly in areas involving algorithm-driven content, live interaction features, and gaming environments.

Officials said further details on enforcement mechanisms and compliance requirements for tech companies will be released in the coming weeks.