By Micah Jonah
February 17, 2026
The United Kingdom is set to implement a social media ban for under 16 children, following in the footsteps of Australia, as the government also seeks to close safety loopholes affecting AI chatbots, officials said on Monday.
Under the new plan, social media platforms will be legally required to prevent users below 16 from accessing their services. The government has also flagged moves to regulate AI chatbots, particularly those that allow one-on-one interactions with minors, after concerns over inappropriate content and safety risks emerged.
Technology Minister, Liz Kendall said the government would publish formal proposals before June, stressed that tech companies would be held accountable for not complying with UK laws. The consultation will also look at automatic data-preservation orders in cases of child deaths, powers to curb “stranger pairing” in online gaming, measures to prevent minors from receiving or sending nude images.
The legislation will be introduced as an amendment to existing crime and child-protection laws, ensuring faster government response to emerging online risks. While the measures focus on child safety, experts warn there may be wider implications for online privacy and digital freedoms for adults.
Some advocacy groups have welcomed the move, though concerns remain that strict restrictions could push harmful activity into less regulated digital spaces. The government is also expected to define what counts as social media before the ban can take effect.
The UK joins several countries, including Spain, Greece, Slovenia, in strengthening online safety for children amid global scrutiny of digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
