17/06/2026
UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s by Spring 2027
The UK government has announced plans to ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X.
The proposal also includes stronger protections for under-18s, such as restrictions on livestreaming, contact from strangers, and possible limits on overnight use and infinite scrolling.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included.
The regulations are planned to be passed before Christmas 2026, with the ban expected to take effect in spring 2027.