TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The UK government has officially announced a social media ban for children under 16 in the country.
This move follows a similar sweeping ban that has been adopted previously by other countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and France.
In the latest press release from the official British government website published on Monday, June 15, 2026, local time, the social media platforms affected by the policy include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, with the ban entering into force from spring 2027.
"This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The UK policy is based on the social media ban model used by Australia. More broadly, the restrictions apply to user-to-user platforms whose primary purpose is to enable social interaction and which allow users to repost material generated by algorithms.
Instant messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not included in this category. Other platforms, such as e-commerce, music streaming services, and several platforms included in the limited exception list, will not be affected by this rule.
Furthermore, the UK also announced a ban on live broadcasting for all children under 16 on any digital platform to prevent strangers from communicating with children, including on gaming sites.
There is also a requirement for developers of AI chatbots, particularly those simulating sexual encounters or role-playing with users, to enforce a minimum age limit of 18.
Conversations discussing intimate matters or similar content will be restricted for users under 18 on AI chatbots more widely, according to the statement.
In addition to social media restrictions, the UK will conduct more detailed research on nighttime social media activity and restrictions on "infinite scrolling," with the study expected to be completed by July 2026.
"Tech companies have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, yet they have failed to act. That is why we are a taking power away from the tech giants and putting it back in parents’ hands," said UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
Read: What Are EU Social Media Alternatives to Instagram, TikTok?
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