Key facts
- The UK plans to implement a minimum age of 16 for accessing major social media platforms by spring 2027.
- This move follows similar age restrictions imposed by Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Arturo Béjar, a former Meta engineer, cited widespread parental dread regarding children's online access.
- Tech companies are actively lobbying against proposed regulations like the US Kids Online Safety Act (Kosa).
- Meta has stated it disagrees with recent US trial verdicts holding it liable for addictive product design.
Governments globally are increasingly implementing age restrictions for social media access, with the UK becoming the latest to announce a minimum age of 16 for major platforms by spring 2027. This legislative trend, following precedents set by Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, reflects a growing public distrust in tech companies' safety measures and product design, particularly concerning minors.
Arturo Béjar, a former Meta engineer and whistleblower, has voiced widespread parental concerns about the negative impacts of social media on young people. His testimony comes amid recent US trials that found Meta liable for deliberately designing addictive products and misleading consumers about platform safety. Meta has stated its disagreement with these verdicts and its commitment to creating safe environments, while also lobbying against regulations like the US Kids Online Safety Act (Kosa).
Tech companies are investing heavily in lobbying efforts across regions, with significant spending reported in the EU and US. Industry insiders express frustration over inconsistent safety standards among platforms, potentially leading to what they view as overly broad regulations. Despite these efforts, countries like Canada are also moving towards barring under-16s unless adequate safeguards are implemented.
While a federal ban in the US appears unlikely due to political gridlock and First Amendment considerations, the global momentum suggests a potential 'tipping point' for social media regulation. Experts believe that public sentiment is increasingly driving policy decisions, pushing governments to act despite industry opposition.