UK PM Starmer gives Apple and Google 3-month ultimatum on child safety measures
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Apple and Google to implement device-level AI controls within three months to prevent children from sharing nude images, or face new legislation including fines and criminal liability for CEOs. The announcement at London Tech Week follows a 72% surge in child sexual extortion cases. The government also closed a consultation on banning social media for under-16s, following Australia’s lead. Critics question the plan’s scope, but child safety advocates support the move.
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Google criticizes UK plan to include YouTube in social media ban for under-16s
Google has expressed strong disappointment over the UK government's decision to include YouTube in a planned social media ban for children under 16, arguing that YouTube is fundamentally different from traditional social platforms due to its educational and family streaming role. Google UK managing director Kate Alessi noted that 74% of children use YouTube for learning and 50% of viewing occurs in living rooms with families. The ban, inspired by Australian legislation and expected to take effect in spring 2027, would also restrict direct messaging and AI chatbot functions for minors. The government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, argues the measures are needed to protect childhood, citing broad parental support. However, Google insists it has built extensive safety features, including YouTube Kids and parental controls, and warns the blanket approach could cut children off from valuable educational content. Regulator Ofcom has also criticized YouTube and TikTok for inadequate child safety measures.
City AMUK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s by 2027
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, set to take effect by spring 2027. Citing concerns that social media makes children unhappy, facilitates bullying, and is 'designed to be addictive,' Starmer argued the ban would give children more time, security, and freedom to grow up. The government claims it has learned from similar legislation in Australia and will also take 'world-leading action' on gaming services and live streaming platforms. The announcement was made during a speech in Downing Street, with Starmer stating the government is 'not prepared to compromise' on child safety and happiness. The ban requires parliamentary approval to become law.
RedCafe.netUK Bans Social Media for Under-16s; Zigazoo CEO Says US Is Next
The UK government announced a ban on children under 16 using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X, with legislation going to Parliament before Christmas and taking effect in early 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called social media 'addictive by design' and harmful to children's well-being. Zak Ringelstein, CEO of kids' platform Zigazoo, which already offers age-verified, safe digital spaces, said the move is part of a global trend, predicting the US will be next. The UK follows Australia's world-first national ban, with France, Spain, and over a dozen other countries enacting similar restrictions. In the US, 19 states have passed laws limiting minors' social media access. TikTok and Meta defend their safety features but warn bans may drive kids to unregulated alternatives. Critics like Brookings and Unicef raise civil liberties concerns. Zigazoo, with over 12 million users, has attracted investors including Serena Williams and partners such as Disney and Netflix.
Fortune | FORTUNEUK Prime Minister Announces Ban on Social Media for Under-16s from 2027
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that under-16s will be banned from using social media starting in 2027. Starmer argued that social media platforms are making children unhappy, facilitating bullying, and are deliberately designed to be addictive. He stated that the ban would provide children with more time, security, and freedom to grow up, along with increased opportunities. The announcement reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health and safety in the UK.
RedCafe.netUK to Ban Under-16s from Social Media by 2027
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that under-16s will be banned from using social media, with the law set to take effect by spring 2027 if passed by parliament. Starmer stated that social media is making children unhappy, facilitates bullying, and is 'designed to be addictive.' He argued the ban would give children more time, security, and freedom to grow up. The government claims to have learned from Australia, which has already implemented a similar ban. Starmer also indicated the UK will take 'world-leading action' on gaming services and live streaming platforms. The announcement was made in a speech at Downing Street, with the PM emphasizing the government will not compromise on child safety and happiness.
RedCafe.netMusk and Big Tech Rebel Against Starmer's Under-16 Social Media Ban
Elon Musk, Meta, and Google's YouTube have attacked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's planned social media ban for under-16s, warning it will drive teenagers to less safe corners of the internet and create sweeping surveillance powers. Musk branded Britain a 'police state,' claiming the real goal is to track everyone. The government is considering forcing Apple and Google to implement age checks through smartphone operating systems. The ban, modelled on Australia's, would block under-16s from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X from spring 2027. Critics, including the Institute of Economic Affairs, argue the ban is impractical and illiberal, citing Australian evidence that many teenagers bypass restrictions using VPNs. Privacy campaigners warn that widespread age verification could force users to share sensitive personal data. Despite backlash, officials are pressing ahead, with legislation expected before Christmas.
City AMApple and Google Face Age-Check Showdown as Starmer's Social Media Ban Widens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a landmark ban on social media for under-16s, set to take effect by early 2027, blocking children from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, and Reddit. To enforce the ban, ministers are considering requiring Apple and Google to conduct age checks at the device operating system level (iOS and Android) rather than on individual platforms. This would shift responsibility from social media companies to smartphone OS providers. The government also plans to restrict livestreaming for children, limit AI chatbots with romantic features to over-18s, and consider curfews and algorithmic controls. Privacy campaigners warn of risks from widespread data collection, while tech firms like YouTube and Meta have pushed back, citing potential harm and ineffectiveness. The legislation is expected to pass before Christmas 2026, with Ofcom assessing age assurance standards.
City AMBritain Wants To Ban Teens From Social Media. The Evidence Suggests It Won't Work.
The United Kingdom announced a ban on social media for children 15 and younger, set to take effect next year, covering platforms like TikTok, X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, and Snapchat. Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued the ban is necessary to protect children from bullying, harmful content, and addiction. The government is also considering overnight curfews and infinite scroll breaks for those under 19. However, enforcement remains unclear, as Australia's similar ban saw 70% of children retaining access. Critics warn the ban will require invasive age verification for all internet users, threatening privacy. Civil liberties groups like Big Brother Watch likened it to a 'papers, please' system. Additionally, the article notes that many teenagers use social media for educational purposes and maintaining friendships, and that a BBC interview with children found no support for the ban. The government's consultation was criticized as unrepresentative, with respondents likely biased toward restrictions.
Reason.comUK Social Media Ban for Under-16s May Drive Children to Unregulated Platforms, Lawyers Warn
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for under-16s, citing harm to children's wellbeing and mental health from bullying and harassment. The ban will apply to platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, X, and Facebook, with legislation expected before Christmas and enforcement early next year. However, legal experts warn the move may push children toward less regulated, more dangerous online spaces. Searches for VPN services surged 165% overnight, indicating demand for circumvention tools. Age-assurance measures, such as facial scans and ID checks, raise data protection and GDPR concerns. Critics also note the government did not mention children's rights in its announcement and may face judicial review over the speed of implementation.
City AMUK Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s Following Australia's Lead
The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, following Australia's example from December 2025. Starmer described the move as a 'big moment' for young people, citing social media's negative effects on children's happiness and safety, including enabling bullying and abuse. The ban, to be passed by Christmas 2026 and enforced by spring 2027, will cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exempt messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Additional measures include prohibiting adults from chatting with children on gaming and live-streaming platforms, considering a digital curfew for under-18s, and setting a minimum age of 18 for romantic or sexual AI chatbots. The decision follows months of consultation with experts, surveys, and tests, with an overwhelming majority supporting stricter laws. Critics warn the ban can be easily circumvented via VPNs, as seen in Australia. Several EU countries are also considering similar restrictions.
taz.de - taz.deUK Follows Australia, Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16, following Australia's lead. Starmer described the move as a "big moment" to protect young people from harm, citing bullying and harassment. The ban, set to pass by Christmas 2026 and take effect in spring 2027, will cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exclude messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Additional measures include blocking adult-child chats on gaming platforms, a potential digital curfew for under-18s, and restricting romantic or sexual AI chatbots to users 18 and older. The decision came after months of consultation and overwhelming public support. Critics warn restrictions may be easy to circumvent, and the EU faces pressure to regulate similar bans across member states.
taz.de - taz.deLabour MPs praise under-16s social media ban announcement
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media platforms for under-16s, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The legislation is expected to pass by the end of 2026 and come into force in spring 2027. Additional measures for under-18s, such as overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling, are being considered. The move follows a public consultation where about 90% of parents supported a ban. Starmer stated that social media is making children unhappy, enabling bullying, and harming mental health. Labour MPs, including Catherine McKinnell, Emily Darlington, Lisa Nandy, Melanie Ward, and Abtisam Mohamed, praised the decision, calling it essential for protecting children and giving them more real-world opportunities. The government plans to invest in offline activities like sports and arts alongside the ban.
LabourListLabour MPs Praise PM Starmer's Announcement of Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Labour MPs have widely praised Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of a ban on social media platforms for children under 16. The ban will affect major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, and is expected to be passed by Parliament before the end of the year, coming into force in spring 2027. Additional measures such as overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling are being considered for under-18s. The move follows a public consultation in which around 90% of parents supported a ban. Starmer stated that social media is harming children's mental health and making them unhappy. MPs including Catherine McKinnell, Emily Darlington, Melanie Ward, and Abtisam Mohamed voiced strong support, citing the need to protect children from online harms and follow the lead of Australia and France. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the need to pair online safety with offline opportunities.
LabourListUK announces social media ban for under-16s, citing child safety
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a radical ban on social media for under-16s, vowing to go further than any other country. The policy targets major platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exempts encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Additional measures include blocking live-streaming and stranger communication for minors, restricting gaming sites, and imposing age 18 minimums for romantic AI chatbots. Enforcement will rely on 'highly effective age assurance' including facial age estimation, with media regulator Ofcom conducting a rapid study. Public opinion is divided: 77% of parents support the ban, but only 45% believe it will be effective. Critics warn of surveillance creep, privacy risks, and cutting off vulnerable youths, while supporters argue it is a necessary 'culture-change moment.' The government hopes to pass legislation by Christmas 2025, with enforcement starting in spring 2027.
TheWeek feedUK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in Landmark Move
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced a radical plan to ban under-16s from social media, claiming it will 'go further than any other country' in limiting online access for minors. The ban will cover major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but exempt encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Additional measures include blocks on live-streaming and stranger communication for under-16s, and potential overnight curfews for 16-18 year olds. Enforcement will rely on 'highly effective age assurance' systems, including facial age estimation, with media regulator Ofcom tasked to study effective methods. The government aims to pass legislation by Christmas 2025, with the ban taking effect in spring 2027. Public support is high, with 77% of parents backing the ban according to YouGov, though 46% doubt its effectiveness. Critics warn of surveillance creep, privacy risks, and cutting off vulnerable youth from supportive online communities. The policy follows Australia's similar but mixed-experience ban, where over 70% of children reportedly still access social media despite the prohibition.
TheWeek feedUK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in Sweeping New Legislation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a radical plan to ban social media access for under-16s, calling it a necessary choice to protect children. The ban will cover major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but not encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Additional measures include blocks on live-streaming and stranger communication for under-16s, overnight curfews for 16-18 year olds, and a minimum age of 18 for romantic AI chatbots. Enforcement will rely on 'highly effective age assurance' systems, including facial age estimation via digital cameras. The government aims to pass legislation by Christmas 2025, with the ban taking effect in spring 2027. YouGov polling shows 77% of parents support the ban, though 46% doubt its effectiveness. Critics warn of surveillance creep and potential harm to vulnerable youth, while supporters argue it marks a necessary cultural shift. The policy draws on Australia's similar ban, which saw mixed results with over 70% of children reportedly still accessing platforms.
TheWeek feedUK Prime Minister Starmer Announces Social Media Ban for Children Under 16
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming total ban on social media access for children under 16, citing concerns that platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X expose children to dangerous and addictive content. The ban, expected to be passed by late December and take effect in spring 2025, excludes messaging services like WhatsApp. The government also plans to take action on gaming and live streaming platforms that allow strangers to contact children, and is considering overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for under-18s. The announcement follows a government consultation that received 116,000 responses, with 83% of parents supporting the measure. The UK is following Australia's lead, which became the first nation to ban under-16s from social media in December. YouTube warned the blanket ban could push children toward less safe services. The European Union is also moving toward similar restrictions.
EuractivBritain announces sweeping social media ban for under-16s
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the UK will implement a sweeping ban on social media platforms for users under the age of 16. This move follows Australia, which became the first country to enact such a ban for children under 16. The announcement underscores Britain's increasingly stringent approach to regulating technology companies, reflecting growing global concerns about the impact of social media on minors' mental health and safety.
The Business TimesUK PM Keir Starmer Unveils Under-16 Social Media Ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a dramatic new policy to ban under-16s from using social media, citing the need to protect children from addictive platforms, harmful content, and bullying. The ban will include major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, X, Facebook, and Instagram, but exempt messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal. The government also plans to block harmful functions such as livestreaming and stranger communication for under-16s, and will consider overnight curfews and infinite scrolling breaks for under-18s. Starmer aims to pass regulation before Christmas 2026, with the ban potentially taking effect in spring 2027. The decision follows a national consultation where 85% of parents said social media dangers outweigh benefits, and comes despite MPs voting against a similar ban in March 2026. Starmer dismissed concerns about tech giant backlash, insisting on the government's responsibility to protect children. Australia introduced a comparable ban in December 2025.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)UK PM Starmer Unveils Under-16 Social Media Ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a dramatic new policy to ban under-16s from using social media, citing the need to protect children from addictive platforms, harmful content, and bullying. The ban would apply to TikTok, Snapchat, X, Facebook, and Instagram, but not messaging apps like WhatsApp. The government aims to pass regulation before Christmas 2026, with implementation expected by spring 2027. Additional restrictions include blocking livestreaming and stranger communication for under-16s, with defaults for under-17s. The policy follows a public consultation where 85% of parents said social media dangers outweigh benefits. Starmer dismissed potential tech industry backlash, emphasizing the government's resolve. The announcement comes amid a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham.
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