UK Weighs Under-16 Social Media Ban for 2027
The UK is weighing an under-16 social media ban that would reach beyond apps like TikTok and Instagram into gaming features and AI companions. If the rules take effect in spring 2027 as the government expects, affected companies may need to prepare stronger age checks, change teen defaults, and decide which features younger users can still access. In a June 15 government announcement, the UK said the ban would apply to user-to-user platforms whose main purpose is social interaction, posting, and algorithmic content recommendation. The named platforms include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not intended to be included. The government also said there would be narrowly defined exemptions for services such as educational platforms, e-commerce sites, and music streaming. What the plan would cover The UK is using Australia’s social media age-ban model as a starting point, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal goes further. The Guardian described it as “Australia plus,” with restrictions that extend beyond standard social apps to some features on gaming …
