UK to ban under-16s from social media this week, Nandy says

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Sunday that tech firms have had “enough time” to act, confirming an announcement is expected this week.bbc
The ban would cover TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit ↗5.43%, and Twitch, and also restrict romantic AI chatbots.instagram
Critics warn age verification tools like face scans could expand surveillance for all users, and Australia’s similar ban has proven largely unenforceable.techpolicy

UK Set to Announce Social Media Ban for Under-16s With Face Scans Among Enforcement Tools

The UK government is expected to announce a ban on children under 16 using major social media platforms this week, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirming on Sunday that tech firms have had “more than enough time” to act on child safety. Face scanning technology is among the age verification methods proposed to enforce the restrictions.telegraph

What the Ban Covers

The announcement, expected as early as Monday, will go beyond Australia’s social media age ban in scope. Under-16s are expected to be barred from platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, and Twitch. The measures will also place restrictions on romantic AI chatbots and block strangers from contacting children on gaming platforms.instagram

Speaking on Sunday, Nandy said the vast majority of responses to the government’s consultation had backed a ban for under-16s. The consultation, launched on March 2 and closing on May 26, received over 116,000 responses from parents, children, and experts. The government has said it already has the legal powers to act “within months rather than years”.bbc

Age Verification and Privacy Concerns

Among the enforcement tools under consideration are facial age estimation technology, digital IDs, and one-time photo matching. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office had previously urged social media companies to adopt such methods. Critics warn these measures could lead to expanded surveillance and data breaches, requiring all users — not just children — to verify their identity.cnbc

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said he would feel “dismayed” if an outright ban were implemented, arguing it would be unenforceable and noting that 70 percent of Australian parents reported their children still used social media after that country’s ban took effect.bbc

Broader Context

The announcement follows a series of government moves this year, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to require device manufacturers like Apple and Google to install software blocking explicit images on personal devices unless users verify they are adults. The proposed social media restrictions will be introduced as amendments to existing crime and child-protection legislation already before parliament.opendemocracy