UK rejects White House warning against under-16 social media ban

The White House urged the UK not to ban social media for under-16s, warning it could burden American tech firms and limit free speech, according to The Guardian.theguardian
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall pushed back Tuesday, saying nine in ten parents backed restrictions in a consultation that drew over 80,000 responses.bloomberg
PM Keir Starmer is expected to announce a nuanced ban within days, potentially exempting educational platforms while restricting AI chatbots and gaming features.bloomberg

White House Warns UK Against Under-16 Social Media Ban

The Trump administration has formally urged the British government not to ban social media for children under 16, submitting a response to a UK public consultation through the US Embassy in London that warned such restrictions could damage freedom of speech and impose a “disproportionate” burden on American technology companies.the-independent

The intervention, reported on Sunday and Monday by The Times and The Guardian, sets the stage for a diplomatic clash as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to announce his policy on children’s social media access within days.bloomberg

UK Pushes Back

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall rejected the White House’s warning on Tuesday, telling Sky News she would not be “swayed” from doing what is “right for children in this country”. She said nine in ten parents who responded to the consultation backed a ban, confirming that a prohibition remains “on the table”.independent

The White House submission advocated for “targeted requirements” focused on pornographic and adult content rather than “broad social media bans,” and called on the UK to empower parents with tools to manage children’s privacy settings and accounts.the-independent

A Nuanced Ban Expected

Starmer is expected to announce restrictions before Parliament rises for summer, with Bloomberg reporting the announcement could come within days. The policy is likely to be more nuanced than Australia’s blanket ban, with different features and platforms restricted by age group. Educational platforms such as YouTube Kids may be exempted, while restrictions on AI chatbots and interactions with strangers on gaming platforms are also under consideration.the-independent

The government consultation received more than 80,000 responses, with over half coming from parents. Kendall has said she intends to legislate by the end of the year.reddit

Tensions With Washington

Cabinet ministers had previously expressed concern about provoking the Trump administration with such a ban, according to The i Paper. The White House response confirms those fears were well-founded, though Kendall’s defiant tone suggests the UK government is prepared to press ahead regardless.reddit

The diplomatic friction comes as Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook and Instagram, and other US tech firms face growing regulatory pressure worldwide over children’s safety online.