The UK government said it plans to pass legislation before Christmas to ban social media for under-16s, with the measure to come into force next spring, amid growing international pressure for action over online harms to children.
The government said the restrictions would affect platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X, while existing users who are over 16 may be required to verify their age to continue using the services.
“I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen,” Starmer said.
Image credit: Unsplash
Wide-ranging implications
