The UK’s big new social media ban should have under-16s everywhere feeling nervous

• The United Kingdom has announced plans to ban children under 16 from social media by law.
• The UK’s forthcoming plan will be modeled on Australia’s, which requires platforms to verify users’ ages or face fines.
• Restrictions could take effect as soon as early 2027.

The UK intends to ban young kids from social media. Under a newly announced initiative, starting early next year, social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more will need to verify that their UK users are 16 or older, with potential fines for failing to comply.

The plan was announced today in a press release, as well as on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s YouTube channel and Substack. The UK’s plan is modeled on Australia’s ban that came into force last year and similarly bars children under the age of 16 from social media.