UK plans default overnight social media block for 16- and 17-year-olds
Developed over time first seen 1 month ago
The UK government plans to make social media companies apply a default overnight block for 16- and 17-year-olds, preventing access between midnight and 6 am unless the setting is turned off. It also intends to introduce a broader ban on social media for under-16s from spring 2027 and to disable certain features seen as addictive by default for older teenagers. The proposals matter because they would expand state regulation of young people’s online activity, with ministers arguing the changes would support sleep, education and wellbeing.
The measures were announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and are due to be put before Parliament later this year, with the first full regulations expected to take effect in 2027. Features such as autoplay and personalised endless feeds would be switched off by default for 16- and 17-year-olds, though users could override them, and the government is also considering further protections around AI chatbots and digital media literacy in schools. The government says about nine in ten UK parents support a legal minimum age for social media, but civil liberties and rights groups have criticised age-gating as a blunt approach that can restrict access to information and free expression.
- UK plans default overnight social media block for older teenagers
- Under-16 social media ban is expected from spring 2027
- Critics say age-gating risks restricting rights and access
New here? Start with this
Social media platforms are websites and apps where people share posts, messages, videos and other content. Many services use personalised feeds, autoplay and notifications to keep users engaged, while parents, schools and health bodies have raised concerns about the effects of late-night use on sleep and learning.
The government department leading digital policy is the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It can propose rules for technology companies, but Parliament must consider and approve legislation or regulations before major legal requirements take effect.
The plans form part of a wider debate about how far the state and online platforms should go in protecting children online. Supporters of tighter controls point to wellbeing and safety, while critics question whether age checks work reliably and whether restrictions could limit young people’s access to information and discussion.
More coverage
Business Markets Software Technology Trending UK Weird & Viral World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Wired as “The UK Is Planning a Social Media Curfew for 16- and 17-Year-Olds”.