UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s by End of 2026
British PM Keir Starmer announces sweeping restrictions on social media, gaming, and livestreaming platforms targeting minors.
The UK is going after kids' screen time with a sledgehammer. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to outright ban social media access for anyone under 16, with additional restrictions hitting gaming and livestreaming platforms.
The government is targeting full regulation by the end of 2026. That's an ambitious timeline for rules that will force major platforms to rethink how they verify age and gate content in one of the world's largest digital markets.
This isn't a suggestion or a set of guidelines. Starmer is talking about an actual ban. The move puts the UK at the sharp end of a global wave of governments cracking down on minors' access to social platforms.
Gaming and livestreaming services are also in the crosshairs, signaling the scope goes well beyond just TikTok and Instagram feeds. Platform operators should start lawyering up.