Britain's government will impose social media restrictions on users under 16 even without an outright ban, a minister said as new legislation moves through its final Parliamentary stages. The government is consulting on specific measures to limit minors' access to platforms, though officials have not detailed which restrictions will apply or how they will be enforced.
The announcement comes as the Online Safety Bill advances toward passage. The legislation aims to hold social media companies accountable for harmful content but has drawn criticism from free-speech advocates and tech industry groups who argue broad age restrictions could undermine digital freedoms.
Ministers have suggested potential approaches include age-verification systems, parental controls, and requirements that platforms design services with younger users in mind. The consultation process will determine which tools prove most practical and effective.
The government frames the move as protecting children from exploitation, cyberbullying, and addictive platform design. Youth advocates have backed stronger protections, citing rising mental health concerns linked to social media use among teenagers.
Tech companies have warned that age verification raises privacy risks and that blanket restrictions may push minors to less-regulated platforms. The industry has pushed for a lighter regulatory touch, proposing self-regulatory alternatives instead.