Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة ستفرض حظر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي للأطفال دون 16 عامًا

The UK has announced it is going to block social media for under-16s, with the ban set to take effect in early 2027. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that this measure is a crucial step to ensure the safety of children online. According to BBC News, the ban will encompass popular platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

In addition to restricting access to these platforms, the government plans to implement measures that will prevent children from live streaming across various apps, including gaming platforms. However, messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in this ban. The government is also considering curfews aimed at older teens, aged 16 and 17, to limit their social media usage late at night, with further details expected in July.

The proposed regulations will require social media platforms to have default settings that restrict connections with strangers for users under 17 years old. Most existing social media platforms already mandate that users be at least 13 years old to create an account, but this new legislation seeks to tighten these age restrictions further.

The Prime Minister indicated that the government aims to pass the necessary regulations before Christmas, paving the way for the measures to be enforced in early 2027. Previous legislation has already been introduced to facilitate such actions, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing online safety for children.