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The UK government has taken a significant step towards implementing a ban on under-16s using social media, following a last-minute change of heart from the Labour party. But what does this mean for social media companies operating in the UK, and how will the proposed ban impact children's online safety?
The UK government has passed a bill requiring age assurance measures on regulated user-to-user services for minors under 16. 61 Labour backbench MPs have come out in support of the bill, citing the need to protect children from social media harm. Australian government has introduced similar ban on under-16s holding active social media accounts, showing its effectiveness. Conservative life peer Baron John Nash's amendment includes advice for medical officers on children's use of social media at different ages. The Labour party's U-turn has sparked concerns about the impact on business models and user engagement.
The British government has taken a significant step towards implementing a ban on under-16s using social media, following a last-minute change of heart from the Labour party. In a surprising move, 61 Labour backbench MPs have come out in support of a bill that would require all regulated user-to-user services to use highly-effective age assurance measures to prevent children under the age of 16 from becoming or being users.
The amendment, sponsored by Baroness Hilary Cass, a crossbench (independent) peer and pediatric doctor who led a damning government-commissioned review of NHS gender identity services for children and young people, was added to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The bill is currently undergoing consideration in the House of Lords, the UK Parliament's amending chamber.
The proposed ban has been welcomed by some, who argue that it is necessary to protect children from the potential harm caused by social media. "The onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to prevent underage access," wrote the 61 Labour backbench MPs in an open letter supporting the bill. The letter added that "public support for this approach is strong."
However, others have expressed concerns about the proposed ban, arguing that it is too restrictive and could infringe upon children's rights. Conservative life peer Baron John Nash's amendment to the bill would also instruct the UK's four chief medical officers to prepare and publish advice on children's use of social media at different ages.
The Australian government introduced a similar ban on under-16s holding active social media accounts in December last year, which has been shown to be effective in preventing underage access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese compared the measure to underage drinking laws that set a standard even through they can be circumvented.
In contrast, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously expressed skepticism over the measure, and it is unclear how his government will now proceed with the bill. The Labour party's U-turn has been seen as a surprise move, and it remains to be seen whether it will ultimately lead to the implementation of the ban.
The proposed ban has significant implications for social media companies operating in the UK. Many have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their business models, which rely heavily on user engagement and advertising revenue. The ban could also lead to a significant increase in the number of children being blocked from accessing online services that are currently available to them.
In addition to the ban itself, the proposed legislation also includes provisions for age verification and monitoring of social media use among minors. This has sparked concerns about the potential for over-regulation and the impact on small businesses and individuals who may not be able to afford the necessary equipment or expertise to comply with the new regulations.
The UK's online safety landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with numerous bills and amendments being introduced in an effort to address the growing concern of child exploitation and abuse online. The proposed ban is just one aspect of this broader debate, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately play out.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-UKs-Social-Media-Ban-A-U-Turn-for-Labour-and-a-New-Era-for-Online-Safety-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/01/19/uk_social_media_children_ban_prime_minister/
Published: Mon Jan 19 06:04:45 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
