STORY
The Government is facing criticism over its plan to ban under-16s from using major social media platforms, with campaigners, parents and technology companies raising concerns about how the policy will work in practice. Ministers have said social media companies will be blocked from offering services to children under 16 from spring 2027, with the measure intended to protect children from harmful content, addictive design and contact from strangers.
The announcement has been criticised by some safety campaigners and digital rights groups, who said a ban could prove difficult to enforce and may fail to address the design of online platforms. The Molly Rose Foundation warned before the announcement that a rushed ban could “unravel”, while other critics have said children may move to less regulated services, use VPNs or lose access to online spaces they rely on for support. Technology companies including Meta, YouTube and Snapchat have also warned that a blanket ban could have unintended consequences.
The Government has said the plans follow public consultation and form part of wider measures covering social media, livestreaming, stranger contact and AI chatbots. Ministers have said the rules will be enforced through age assurance requirements overseen by Ofcom, rather than by punishing children themselves. The Children’s Commissioner welcomed action to protect children online, but the debate has continued over whether the policy is a workable safeguard or a poorly handled response to wider problems with online safety.