Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
It's official — the UK government has confirmed a landmark plan to ban under-16s from social media, blocking platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube from offering them accounts.
They're calling it "Australia Plus." Messaging apps like WhatsApp stay exempt, but the UK goes further than Australia by also blocking livestreaming and stranger contact for under-16s, even on gaming sites.
No passport or ID needed — platforms just have to prove "highly effective" age checks, though how that'll actually work hasn't been confirmed yet.
Vote expected by Christmas 2026. Ban comes into force spring 2027.
Where do you stand — protecting kids, or a step too far? Let me know below.
Source: gov.uk press release, 15 June 2026
It's official — the UK government has confirmed a landmark plan to ban under-16s from social media, blocking platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube from offering them accounts.
They're calling it "Australia Plus." Messaging apps like WhatsApp stay exempt, but the UK goes further than Australia by also blocking livestreaming and stranger contact for under-16s, even on gaming sites.
No passport or ID needed — platforms just have to prove "highly effective" age checks, though how that'll actually work hasn't been confirmed yet.
Vote expected by Christmas 2026. Ban comes into force spring 2027.
Where do you stand — protecting kids, or a step too far? Let me know below.
Source: gov.uk press release, 15 June 2026
