The United Kingdom government has announced a new set of digital regulations that will ban access to social media platforms for users under the age of 16, alongside tighter restrictions on gaming and live-streaming services used by minors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures form part of a broader overhaul of online safety laws aimed at strengthening protections for children and teenagers in digital environments. The government plans to introduce stricter compliance requirements for technology companies, including enhanced age-verification systems and greater oversight of algorithm-driven content delivery.
Officials said the policy reflects growing concern over the impact of social media and online platforms on young users, particularly in relation to exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time. The new framework is intended to ensure that digital services are designed with stronger safeguards for underage users from the outset.
The UK has steadily moved toward tighter regulation of tech companies in recent years, encouraging platforms to adopt more robust safety measures, improve transparency in content moderation, and take greater responsibility for protecting minors online.
