Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will prohibit children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram. The legislation, expected to pass by year-end with enforcement beginning in spring 2027, marks what Starmer called 'a line in the sand' after tech companies failed to protect young users.

The ban extends beyond social networks to gaming apps, restricting features like chatting with strangers, live streaming, and romantic chatbots. Platforms such as Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X must disable under-16 access by default, while messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram remain unaffected. Officials are also considering overnight curfews and scroll-break requirements for users under 18.

This follows Australia's December 2025 social media law, which prompted Meta to close 550,000 accounts within a month. Nine in 10 UK parents supported the age limit during the government's consultation. Starmer emphasized the measure reflects societal values, not anti-technology sentiment.

Regulatory body Ofcom will develop enforcement mechanisms, building on existing online safety measures. Details on age verification processes remain pending, though officials acknowledge technical circumvention challenges. The law aims to shift parental conversations and children's expectations about digital engagement.