UK mulls under‑16 social media ban amid rising online ID push

The UK is weighing an Australia‑style ban on social media for under‑16s, as regulators ramp up enforcement of the Online Safety Act.

The United Kingdom is considering new restrictions that could bar children under 16 from using mainstream social media platforms.

The discussion builds on the Online Safety Act, which already requires services with minimum age limits to explain how they enforce them and to use “highly effective” age assurance measures where children are at risk of harmful content.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is monitoring how Australia’s under‑16 ban works in practice and is “open” to an Australian‑style approach, despite previously expressing personal reservations about a blanket ban for teenagers.

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