UK under-16 social media ban could cover 150 platforms in March

By Sophie Lindqvist

The UK’s under-16 social media ban could reach as many as 150 platforms when regulations take effect in March, according to sources briefed on the government’s proposals. Cabinet signoff is expected this week, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expected to lay the regulations before Parliament in December.

That timetable describes a working proposal, not a final list of prohibited services.

Which platforms could fall within scope?

Ministers want a catch-all definition that closes workarounds, according to people familiar with the talks. The working proposal focuses on recommender systems and user-generated content, and tech companies, industry groups and MPs have received that briefing.

That wider focus could place YouTube Kids, Lego Play and other services once thought exempt within scope, according to people now briefed on the proposals. One source close to the talks said games platforms such as Lego Play could also fall within the rules.

Spotify could qualify technically because it hosts user-generated content and recommends music or podcasts. The music service has sought assurances that it will not face a ban because it is not primarily a social platform.

One industry source said: “We all share the goal of keeping teenagers safe online. Proposals have to be workable, and a situation where eBay, Lego, YouTube Kids and Spotify aren’t clear whether they comply is unsustainable. Detailed guidelines can’t come soon enough.”

A second source called the rules too broad, arguing that recommender systems now run across the internet. That person said ministers want the framework legally airtight in preparation for any eventuality.

Murray said Spotify has introduced functionality for conversations with strangers, complicating its exemption claim. He said platforms can escape the banned list by redesigning services to remove harmful or addictive functions.

Tech companies have pressed the government on the practical problem of removing recommender systems. They say that step would make some sites impossible to operate. Industry bodies add that YouTube Kids cannot function without recommendations.

How would the rules work without primary legislation?

The regulations do not require new primary legislation in the House of Commons. Ministers will table them as an addition to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act.

Keir Starmer’s June announcement excluded educational services, e-commerce platforms and music streaming. The government promised a narrow list of exemptions, subject to review. The proposal now challenges those exclusions through its treatment of recommendations and user-generated content.

Murray said: “The way back is to comply with the regulations and fall out of scope. That is an easy thing to say but not an easy thing to deliver, but that is the principle with which we will go forward on this.”

He said YouTube Kids and Lego Play would need to show they did not have harmful algorithms. Murray also said the government’s position was that a service meeting every requirement should remain available to under-16s.

What could the spring tranche change?

Ministers are preparing a second tranche for spring, focused on e-commerce platforms such as Vinted, eBay and Depop. Murray confirmed to MPs last week that the government is examining platforms’ features and functions for that tranche. On Sunday, Nandy confirmed in interviews that she was looking to bring Vinted and other e-commerce platforms into scope. Officials then held what sources described as a panicked call with retailers on Tuesday, where several of them strongly contested the proposed e-commerce plans.

MPs and campaigners have told Nandy that teenagers and groomers can use anonymous or unknown-user messaging to evade restrictions. One industry figure called it illogical to permit WhatsApp and iMessage while banning Vinted and eBay, which also support messaging.

Critics of Australia’s social media ban say teenagers moved to new services or found ways to communicate through seemingly innocuous websites. Those experiences do not establish how Britain’s broader definition would work.

When will companies learn the final scope?

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and No 10 plan to brief companies on the final proposal within days. DCMS has been approached for comment. March remains the target for the first tranche, with spring earmarked for possible e-commerce restrictions.

No audience-size, reach or compliance-cost estimates were provided. Platforms must plan for possible feature changes and age checks; creators cannot yet know which recommendation or messaging channels will remain open to under-16 audiences.

This week’s expected Cabinet signoff and December’s expected parliamentary step will test whether ministers can narrow those definitions before March.