When will social media ban start, and which platforms are affected?

The UK government has revealed plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that this restriction is set to be implemented in early 2027. He emphasized that keeping younger users off these platforms is “the right step for Britain” and the most effective way to ensure their online safety.

This upcoming ban will encompass major social media services such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. While a detailed list of all affected platforms has not been made public, the government clarified that the rules will apply to services designed primarily for social interaction where users can share content. Moreover, the measures will prevent children from livestreaming, even on gaming platforms. Features that enable strangers to contact under-16s will be blocked, with similar restrictions applied by default for users under 17 to avoid an abrupt “cliff-edge” in access once a user turns 16. The government is also considering additional protective steps, including imposing overnight curfews and adding breaks to infinite scroll functions for those under 18; further information on these measures is expected in July.

Regarding AI chatbots, those designed as “romantic companions” that simulate sexual relationships or roleplay will require users to be at least 18 years old. More broadly, AI chatbots must restrict “intimate functionalities” for anyone under 18. The government clarified that messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the social media ban. Notably, most platforms currently set their minimum user age at 13, though enforcement varies.

Sir Keir indicated that new regulations are intended to be passed by Christmas, aiming for full enforcement by spring 2027. He stated, “It will make our children safer. It will make our children happier. It will give them more time, more security, more freedom to grow up.” The proposal follows a public consultation that attracted over 120,000 responses. Although the government recognizes that some children might still bypass age restrictions, it pointed out that this does not undermine the importance of the ban, comparing it to alcohol sales laws intended to limit access despite occasional underage consumption.

To enforce the age restrictions, the government plans to implement “highly effective age assurance” technologies that verify users’ ages through methods such as facial scans or identity documents. Ofcom, the UK regulator, has been tasked with conducting a swift study to determine the best verification processes for confirming users are over 16. While platforms like adult websites already carry out similar checks, questions have been raised about potential circumvention through tools like VPNs. The UK government intends to draw lessons from Australia’s social media ban, which came into effect in December 2025 but has faced challenges with enforcement and loopholes.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from families and young people. Bereaved parents campaigning for the change welcomed the move. Lisa Kenevan cited her son Isaac, who died at age 13, as an inspiration behind her advocacy and said the ban is “a good place now,” even if she wished it had come sooner. Mariano Janin, whose daughter Mia died at 14 following cyberbullying, described the announcement as “a change in the right direction.” Conversely, Ian Russell, who lost his daughter Molly at 14 to harmful online content, criticized the government for rushing restrictions, warning that “sledgehammer techniques like bans” may create further problems. Despite concerns from some teenagers about losing a platform for self-expression and social interaction, the government reported that nine out of ten parents support decisive action on safeguarding children online.

Social media companies have also voiced opinions on the ban. YouTube warned that it might push children towards “anonymous, less safe services,” highlighting its own long-term investments in age-appropriate features and default protections for teens. Snapchat expressed support for the goal of protecting young users but pointed out that much of its usage involves private messaging with friends and family, cautioning that cutting access could drive teens to less secure platforms.

Internationally, Australia’s ban on social media use by children under 16, introduced in late 2025, serves as a model for the UK. Australian regulations require popular platforms to block

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