The UK government is set to announce a ban on under-16s accessing 'high-risk' social media apps, alongside restrictions on safer platforms, as part of a major crackdown on child safety online. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will outline the plans on Monday, with specific platforms to be named later. Under-18s will also be prohibited from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
The measures include banning under-16s from receiving disappearing messages, chatting with adult strangers, and livestreaming on 'safe' apps. The government received over 116,000 responses to its consultation, with nine out of 10 parents supporting an under-16 ban. A Downing Street source said the prime minister wants a 'gamechanger' and that 'nothing was off the table'.
However, sources warn the government faces potential judicial review over its decision to ban some platforms but not others. One source described the post-consultation outcome as 'very rushed', adding that 'the prospect of multiple judicial reviews seems high'. Mark Jones, a partner at Payne Hicks Beach, said the speed alone is unlikely to succeed in a challenge, as the legal threshold is high.
The ban raises questions about age verification. Currently, the Online Safety Act requires platforms with pornographic or self-harm content to verify users are over 18. In practice, companies like Meta already do more, including asking users to self-declare their age. The government has yet to detail how the new measures will be enforced.
