UK: Under-16s face social media ban under government plans

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to unveil proposals to raise the minimum age for access to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to 16. The measures, described by Sir Keir as “game-changing”, come ahead of Thursday’s Makerfield by-election.

The plans would require technology companies to deploy “highly effective age assurance” systems. Options outlined by Ofcom include facial age estimation, digital ID checks, passports, credit cards, banking verification and mobile phone age checks.

Ministers are also considering restrictions on features deemed addictive, including infinite scrolling and recommendation algorithms, as well as curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds. Children would be prevented from livestreaming, contacting adult strangers online and using AI chatbots designed for romantic or sexual interactions.

The proposals follow concerns that existing age limits are widely ignored. Ofcom recently found that nine in 10 children aged eight to 12 were using services with minimum age requirements of 13.

Campaigners welcomed the move but warned it would fail without stronger enforcement. Baroness Kidron said: “The big question is how are they going to enforce it, because if you keep on giving duties to Ofcom but don’t fix the enforcement, then you are doing nothing.”