The social media apps set to be banned for under-16s in the UK

WorldTechnology

15 Jun 2026 • 4:52 PM MYT

The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The social media apps set to be banned for under-16s in the UK

The government has set out several social media apps it intends to ban for under-16s as part of new reforms.
Platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X are among those to be restricted.
AI 'romantic companion' chatbots, designed to simulate sexual relationships, will also have to enforce a minimum age of 18.
The government has said messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included in the ban.
The ban is likely to include a narrowly defined list of exemptions in order to allow children to access educational platforms and music streaming sites.

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Full list of social media platforms included in Starmer’s under-16s ban

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