UK Social Media Ban for Under 16s: Details, Enforcement, and Timing Explained
Overview of the UK Social Media Ban for Under 16s
LONDON, June 15 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would impose a ban on social media sites for children under 16 and restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms to "give kids their childhood back".
Below are details of what is being banned, how the measures will be enforced, and when they are expected to take effect:
What Platforms Are Being Banned?
TikTok, YouTube and Instagram Banned
The government said it would block children using social media platforms whose purpose is to enable user-to-user social interaction and which allow users to post material with algorithms.
This means the ban will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, the government said in a statement.
Exemptions to the Ban
The government said it did not intend for messaging services like WhatsApp or music streaming services to be included in the ban, and exemptions would be kept under review.
How Will the Ban Be Enforced?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ban would be enforced through action against social media platforms, rather than seeking to fine children who find ways to circumvent it.
The government said regulator Ofcom would conduct a rapid study to establish the best way to verify if someone is over 16, and would have a new enforcement strategy and funding.
Timing of the Ban
Starmer said he was aiming to pass the relevant regulations before Christmas and have the ban come into force early next year.
A full response to the government's consultation on the issue will be published in July, fleshing out details of the policy.
Additional Restrictions on Gaming and Livestreaming Sites
Livestreaming and Stranger Communication Restrictions
The government also said it would block livestreaming and stranger communication for under-16s, including gaming sites.
Starmer said this would prevent strangers contacting children through these sites.
Potential Future Measures
Curfews and Restrictions on Scrolling
The government will also be looking in more detail at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under 18-year-olds, and will set out more detail in the response next month.
Default Restrictions for 16- and 17-Year-Olds
Restrictions on functionalities banned for those under 16 would be applied by default for 16- and 17-year-olds, the government said.
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill and Alistair Smout; Editing by Jan Harvey)
