Key facts
- The UK is considering a ban on social media access for individuals under 16, similar to Australia's "Australia-plus" model.
- The proposed restrictions would also limit features like chats with adult strangers and livestreaming for under-16s.
- Time limits for social media use may be introduced for 16 and 17-year-olds.
- Under-18s are expected to be blocked from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
- The primary challenge is implementing effective age verification without invasive measures.
- Australia's similar ban has resulted in millions of social media accounts being deactivated, removed, or restricted.
The UK government is reportedly preparing to implement significant restrictions on social media access for individuals under 16, a policy framed as an "Australia-plus" model. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce measures that would ban under-16s from accessing major social media applications, while also restricting features such as chats with adult strangers and livestreaming for this age group. Additionally, 16 and 17-year-olds may face time limits on their social media usage, and those under 18 would be prohibited from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
The government's rationale for introducing these age limits stems from concerns about the potential harms of social media on young people, aligning with parental support expressed in a recent consultation where nine out of ten respondents favored such a ban. This move follows Australia's implementation of a similar ban, which has led to millions of social media accounts being deactivated, removed, or restricted.
A key challenge in implementing the ban lies in effective age verification. The UK's existing Online Safety Act, overseen by regulator Ofcom, already mandates age assurance measures for accessing certain content, such as pornography. However, it is unclear whether the new ban will require more specific verification methods beyond those currently permitted, which include facial age estimation, credit card checks, and digital ID verification. Tech companies like Meta and Snapchat have reportedly offered input on how age verification should be conducted, with the responsibility potentially falling on app developers or device manufacturers.
Despite the push for the ban, some child safety advocates, like the Molly Rose Foundation, have voiced concerns that it could be unenforceable and mask a lack of credible plans to address the impact of algorithms on young lives. The process has been described as rushed by industry sources, driven by a political timeline, and the exact enforcement date remains uncertain. There is also speculation that tech firms might pursue a judicial review to challenge the decision-making process behind the ban.