UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s From 2027: Which Apps Will Be Affected?
he UK government has announced a major new online safety policy that will ban children under 16 from accessing several popular social media platforms starting in early 2027. Prime Minister Keir...
he UK government has announced a major new online safety policy that will ban children under 16 from accessing several popular social media platforms starting in early 2027.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move is aimed at improving child safety online and reducing exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, stranger contact, and addictive platform features.
Which Apps Will Be Banned?
The restriction is expected to apply to major social media platforms including:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- X
- YouTube
However, YouTube Kids will remain accessible because it is designed specifically for children.
The government said the rules will target platforms primarily focused on social interaction and user-generated content.
Messaging Apps Like WhatsApp and Signal Not Included
The UK government clarified that private messaging services such as:
- Signal
will not currently fall under the social media ban.
Officials said the focus remains on large public-facing platforms and features that may expose minors to strangers, harmful trends, or addictive engagement systems.
Gaming Platforms Also Face Restrictions
Although gaming platforms like Roblox are not expected to be fully banned, some features — particularly public chat systems and interactions with strangers — could face stricter controls for minors.
The government also hinted that livestreaming and certain community features across gaming services may face tighter age-based protections.
More Restrictions Planned for Teenagers
The UK is also considering additional online safety measures for users under 18, including:
- Overnight social media curfews
- Forced breaks from infinite scrolling
- Restrictions on addictive recommendation systems
- Limits on AI chatbot “romantic companion” features for minors
Under the proposed rules, AI chatbots simulating sexual or intimate relationships would require users to be at least 18 years old.
How Will Age Verification Work?
The government plans to introduce “highly effective age assurance” systems to verify users’ ages.
Possible verification methods include:
- AI-powered facial age estimation
- Government ID checks
- Device-level age verification systems
UK regulator Ofcom has been asked to study the best methods for enforcing the rules.
However, privacy advocates have raised concerns over data collection and whether teenagers could bypass restrictions using VPNs or alternate accounts.
Social Media Companies React
Several major tech companies criticised the proposal.
Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, argued that device-based parental controls would be more effective than platform-specific bans.
YouTube described itself as an important educational and creative platform for teenagers, while Snapchat warned that restrictions could push young users toward less regulated online spaces.
Inspired by Australia’s Social Media Ban
The UK’s upcoming rules are largely inspired by Australia, which introduced similar social media restrictions for children in late 2025.
Australia’s law applies to platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and X.
However, enforcement there has proven difficult, with many teenagers reportedly continuing to access restricted platforms through alternative methods.
Ban Expected to Begin in 2027
The UK government plans to finalise regulations before the end of 2026, allowing the social media ban to officially begin by spring 2027.
Officials say more details regarding enforcement, age verification, and platform responsibilities will be announced in the coming months.
