UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under 16s and Tighter AI Chatbot Rules

The UK government is preparing proposals that could introduce a ban on social media access for children under 16 and strengthen oversight of artificial intelligence chatbots, as ministers move to address growing concerns over digital safety. Officials say legislation could be updated before the summer, depending on the outcome of an ongoing consultation.

The proposal follows mounting international scrutiny of online platforms and comes amid wider debate about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government launched a formal consultation last month to examine whether restrictions similar to those introduced in Australia could be implemented in Britain. Ministers are now working on legislative adjustments that would allow rapid implementation if the policy is approved.

Australia recently became the first country to block social media access for users under 16, intensifying pressure on other governments to consider similar measures. Several European nations, including Spain, Greece and Slovenia, have indicated they are exploring comparable steps. UK officials say they are reviewing international developments closely while assessing domestic legal and technical implications.

At the centre of the debate is the effectiveness of existing regulation. Britain’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, is considered one of the strictest frameworks globally for online protection. However, ministers have acknowledged that certain AI chatbots operating through one to one interactions may fall outside the scope of the law if they do not share content publicly. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said this regulatory gap will be addressed to ensure consistent safeguards.

The renewed urgency follows incidents that raised alarm about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools. In particular, the ability of some AI systems to generate explicit or manipulated images has intensified calls for clearer boundaries and accountability mechanisms. Policymakers argue that technology is evolving faster than regulatory systems, requiring more flexible legislative powers.

Alongside potential age restrictions, the government is also consulting on measures aimed at reducing harmful online interactions. These include examining limits on stranger pairing functions within online gaming platforms and strengthening enforcement tools available to regulators. Officials have also signalled plans for automatic data preservation orders in investigations involving child deaths, ensuring digital evidence is secured without delay.

Child protection advocates have welcomed the direction of travel but caution that enforcement and verification systems must be robust to avoid loopholes. Technology companies are expected to face increased compliance obligations if the proposals proceed, including enhanced age verification and stronger content monitoring mechanisms.

Industry representatives have urged policymakers to balance safety with privacy and innovation. Critics warn that broad bans could be difficult to enforce technically and may push young users toward unregulated platforms. Others argue that a clear age threshold would provide parents and schools with stronger support in managing online exposure.

With consultation responses due in the coming months, the government has indicated it intends to move quickly. The debate is likely to intensify as lawmakers weigh the practical challenges of enforcement against public demand for stronger protections in an increasingly digital society.