UK ban proposals could bring YouTube Kids and Lego Play into scope

The UK Government is considering expanding its under-16 social media ban to cover services including YouTube Kids and Lego Play, despite earlier assurances that educational, shopping and music services would be exempt. The proposals could affect up to 150 platforms, with ministers seeking broad rules to prevent young people from bypassing the restrictions.

The working proposal focuses on recommendation systems and user-generated content, which could bring Spotify into scope because it recommends music and podcasts and hosts some user content. The ban is due to start in March; regulations are expected to receive cabinet sign-off this week and be laid before Parliament in December. A further set of rules next spring may cover marketplaces such as Vinted, eBay and Depop, prompting industry concerns about unclear boundaries and the role of messaging features.