UK Social Media Ban Under 16: New Rules for AI and Apps
The UK social media ban under 16 is no longer just a distant idea. On Monday, February 16, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his government is prepared to fast-track new laws to shield children from digital dangers. This move follows the lead of countries like Australia, where strict age limits have already been introduced to combat the rising tide of online harm.
Closing the AI Loophole
A major focus of the new strategy is closing a legal loophole in the 2023 Online Safety Act. Currently, many AI chatbots escape strict regulation because they involve one-to-one interactions rather than public sharing. Technology Minister Liz Kendall pointed out that children are forming deep relationships with these AI systems. Consequently, the government plans to force AI providers to comply with safety duties or face heavy fines.
Scrutiny intensified recently after high-profile incidents involving AI-generated explicit images. Starmer made it clear that “no platform gets a free pass.” By June 2026, the government expects to set out formal proposals to bring these bots under the same safety umbrella as traditional social media sites.
Ending Addictive Features
The UK social media ban under 16 consultation isn’t just about age. It is also targeting the “engine room” of social media: addictive design. Features like infinite scrolling and “stranger pairing” in gaming are under the microscope. Many experts believe these tools are designed to maximize screen time at the expense of a child’s mental health.
Furthermore, the government is considering restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Currently, tech-savvy minors use VPNs to bypass age checks on restricted sites. By limiting this access, ministers hope to create a truly “phone-free” environment for younger students, building on recent bans of mobile phones in schools.
Jools’ Law and Data Preservation
Another critical part of the update is “Jools’ Law.” This measure will require platforms to preserve the data of a child who has died. Bereaved families have long campaigned for this change. It ensures that investigators can secure key online evidence to determine the cause of death.
While some charities worry a total ban might push children into darker, less regulated corners of the web, the Prime Minister insists the law must keep up with technology. As the consultation continues, the debate remains: can a ban truly replace better platform design?
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