Social Media Companies Face Ban Unless They Block Under-16s

Social media companies could face being blocked in the UK if they fail to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms, the Technology Secretary has warned.

Liz Kendall said Ofcom would have the authority to take action against technology firms that repeatedly ignored laws designed to keep children off social media. Measures available to the regulator include seeking court orders to block access to non-compliant platforms through UK internet service providers and requiring app stores to remove them for British users.

Responding to criticism from social media companies, Ms Kendall said: "Enough is enough. They should clean up their act."

On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to raise the minimum age for using major social media platforms from 13 to 16, with the changes expected to come into force early next year. The move could result in millions of children losing access to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.

The Government's proposals would go beyond measures already introduced in Australia, where an under-16 social media ban was adopted last year. Ministers are also considering additional restrictions, including overnight curfews for under-18s and limits on features viewed as addictive, such as endless scrolling.

Under the plans, social media companies would be legally responsible for verifying that users are aged 16 or over through approved age-assurance measures. Ofcom has been tasked with developing the framework for these checks by October.

"The responsibility lies with the social media companies," Ms Kendall said. "They have had plenty of opportunities to keep children safe and have failed to do so. That is why we are drawing a clear line."

She added that Ofcom has the power to fine companies up to 10 per cent of their qualifying global revenue. Persistent non-compliance could lead the regulator to seek court intervention to restrict or block access to their services in the UK.

"While the details are still being finalised, this demonstrates the direction we are taking," she said.

E&K Solicitors