The UK will completely ban social media access for children under 16. Announce Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The law banning social networks for children is scheduled to be adopted before the end of 2026, and will enter into force by the spring of next year.
In the UK government later He explainedThe ban will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The authorities do not plan to restrict children’s access to instant messaging programs such as WhatsApp and Signal. Meanwhile, the government plans to ban “harmful features” on various platforms, including live streaming and the ability to communicate with children under 16 years old.
According to Starmer, social networks cannot be described as a safe environment for children; They make them unhappy. The Prime Minister said that social media networks facilitate bullying, and children there are exposed to “dangerous content that can negatively affect their mental health.” He added that social networks are designed to be addictive.
Asked if he expected a backlash from the largest US technology companies, Starmer responded maleThe ban does not mean that it is against technology and artificial intelligence. “I will never accept the argument that for the sake of the future of artificial intelligence and technology, we must leave our children unprotected,” the Prime Minister said.
Australia was the first country in the world to ban access to social networks for children and teenagers. This ban entered into force in December 2025. The responsibility for non-compliance with the law lies with the owners of social networks. If they fail to take the necessary steps to block access, they could face a fine of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million). These measures include deactivating accounts of children under the age of 16 and prohibiting the registration of new users of this age.