# UK announces social media ban for under-16s

> Source: <https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-announces-social-media-ban-for-under-16s/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication>
> Published: 2026-06-15 07:50:27+00:00

LONDON - Keir Starmer said Monday the UK will ban social media for under-16s.

Livestreaming and tools which allow users to communicate with strangers will also be blocked for under-16s, and restricted by default for 17 year-olds, the U.K. prime minister said.

Starmer told a Downing Street press conference "a full ban is the right choice," adding he is not "prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children."

[In an accompanying statement](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/social-media-to-be-banned-for-under-16s-in-landmark-government-move-to-givekids-their-childhood-back), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said AI "romantic companion" chatbots that simulate sexual or romantic relationships will also be banned for use by under-18s.

The U.K. government will look "in more detail" at overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, and will set out its plans in July, DSIT added.