The UK government plans to ban social media access for under-16s by requiring age verification on new accounts, with the rules set to take effect in spring 2027. Security and privacy experts warn the system can be bypassed with VPNs and could expose ID and biometric data to breaches while normalizing age checks for online access in the UK. #KeirStarmer #LizKendall #Ofcom #Instagram #YouTube #TikTok #Snapchat #Facebook #X #WhatsApp #Signal #Roblox #OnlineSafetyAct
Keypoints
- The UK will ban under-16s from social media, with regulations due before Christmas and enforcement starting in spring 2027.
- Platforms will have to verify age for new accounts using ID uploads or facial age scans.
- Most existing adult accounts will be exempt under grandfathering rules.
- Experts warn the checks are easy to bypass with VPNs and create privacy and breach risks.
- The policy will affect major platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and Roblox features.