UK to ban under‑16s from major social media platforms

The UK government plans to prohibit anyone under 16 from using major social‑media services, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Reddit. New accounts will be blocked and existing accounts will be deactivated. The ban, set to take effect next spring, will be enforced with stricter age‑verification measures such as facial‑scanning technology and photo‑ID matching.

Critics argue the rule may be difficult to enforce, citing work‑arounds like false age claims and VPNs, and note that some popular services used by teens – such as Roblox and WhatsApp – are exempt. Parents are divided; some welcome the move after tragic incidents involving dangerous online challenges, while others see it as an overreach on personal freedom. Internet‑safety campaigner Ian Russell, whose daughter died in 2017 after exposure to self‑harm content, says the focus should instead be on regulating algorithmic recommendations rather than a blanket age ban.