The UK government is examining rules that could bar children under 16 from mainstream social media to strengthen child safety online, building on the Online Safety Act which already requires age-limit enforcement and stronger age checks. Keir Starmer said he is monitoring Australia’s approach and is open to a similar ban, according to a recent report (said).
Conservative MP David Davis posted on X that banning social media for children was “the right move”, and he added that “mobile phones don’t belong in schools either” (posted on X).
Regulators are already preparing tougher enforcement, with Ofcom able to fine or restrict access for services that fail child safety duties, while platforms and lawmakers clash over compliance (in conflict). The platform led by Elon Musk has warned the law risks “seriously infringing” free speech (said the platform).
Aleksandr Litreev, CEO of Sentinel, warned that restricting youth access could harm digital literacy and leave them unprepared. (Ed. note: critics say limited access may reduce opportunities to learn safe online habits.)
Elsewhere, Australia now requires major services to verify ages and apply strict filters by default, using IDs, biometrics, or payment checks. Ireland plans to push for identity-verified social accounts during its EU presidency next year.
Crypto exchanges still follow existing KYC and biometric ID rules, and policymakers’ focus on age checks suggests similar verification systems may expand beyond finance.
