UK to Block Social Media for Under-16s
Quick Look
- The UK plans to block social media access for under-16s, citing online safety.
- Measures include preventing livestreaming and default safety settings for minors.
- Regulations are expected by early 2027.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The UK government is introducing new measures to protect children online, including blocking social media access for those under 16 and requiring platforms to implement stricter safety features by default.
The UK has announced it is going to block social media for under-16s.
He said keeping children off social media was "the right step for Britain" and the best way to keep them safe online.
The measures will also require platforms to prevent children from being able to livestream across apps, including on gaming platforms.
However, it has not released an exhaustive list of which platforms it will apply to.
The government said it did not intend to include messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal in the social media ban.
It said it was also looking into introducing curfews to stop older teens, aged 16 and 17, scrolling late at night - saying more detail on this would be set out in July.
But restrictions on livestreaming and preventing strangers from being able to connect with children would also be required to be turned on by default for under 17 year olds, it added.
Most social media platforms already require children to be over 13 to create an account and use their services.
The prime minister said the government plans to pass regulations before Christmas, which would allow the measures to come into place in early 2027.
He said the government had already introduced legislation allowing it to take this kind of action.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
UK government to pass regulations before Christmas for early 2027 implementation.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which specific platforms will be affected?
- What are the exact details of the curfews for older teens?
