Key takeaways
In June 2026, the UK government announced restrictions on social media access for under-16s. Ofcom is responsible for implementing these restrictions through its codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The restrictions require social media platforms accessible to UK users to implement age assurance measures to prevent under-16s from using their services.
Ofcom issued a statement on 15 June 2026 welcoming the announcement and confirming its role in setting the technical requirements that platforms must meet.
The specific technical standards for age assurance on social media platforms are being developed by Ofcom and will be set out in updated codes of practice under the Online Safety Act.
Platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover and potentially service restriction orders blocking them from UK users.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
|
What was announced in June 2026
The UK government announced in June 2026 that it would introduce restrictions on social media access for children under 16. The announcement followed similar measures introduced or proposed in several other countries and reflected growing concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health and wellbeing.
Ofcom issued a statement on 15 June 2026 welcoming the government's announcement. Ofcom confirmed that it is the regulator responsible for implementing the restrictions through its codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023, and that it would set out the specific technical requirements that social media platforms must meet.
How the restrictions will work
The restrictions require social media platforms to implement age assurance measures that prevent under-16s from creating accounts or accessing their services. 'Age assurance' is a broader term than 'age verification' -- it covers a range of technical approaches to confirming the likely age of a user, including but not limited to checking ID documents.
Ofcom is responsible for setting the specific technical standards in its codes of practice. Platforms must implement systems that meet these standards. The burden is on the platform to design compliant age assurance systems, not on individual users to provide documentation.
Which platforms are affected
The restrictions apply to social media services accessible to UK users. This includes major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook, as well as smaller social media platforms. Gaming platforms and other services with social features may also be in scope depending on how they are classified under Ofcom's framework.
What happens to existing under-16 accounts
The specific treatment of existing accounts held by under-16s will be addressed in Ofcom's implementation guidance. Platforms will likely be required to implement retrospective age assurance for existing users or to apply enhanced protections to accounts identified as belonging to under-16s. The precise requirements will be set out in Ofcom's codes of practice.
Enforcement
Ofcom can fine platforms that do not comply with age assurance requirements up to 10% of global annual turnover. For the largest global social media companies, this represents potential fines running into billions of pounds. Ofcom can also apply to court for service restriction orders that could block non-compliant platforms from being accessible to UK users.
Context: international comparisons
The UK's move follows similar restrictions introduced or proposed in other countries. Australia passed legislation restricting social media access for under-16s in late 2024. Several US states have introduced or proposed similar age-gating requirements. The global trend reflects growing regulatory concern about the impact of social media algorithms and content on younger users.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice. Telecoms information is sourced from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Always verify current information at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the UK social media restrictions for under-16s?
In June 2026, the UK government announced restrictions requiring social media platforms to implement age assurance measures to prevent under-16s from accessing their services. Ofcom is responsible for implementing these restrictions through codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023. The specific technical standards are being developed by Ofcom.
Which social media platforms are affected?
The restrictions apply to social media platforms accessible to UK users, including major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook. The specific scope is determined by how platforms are classified under Ofcom's framework. Check Ofcom's latest guidance for the current scope.
When will social media restrictions for under-16s take effect?
The government announced the restrictions in June 2026. Ofcom is developing the technical standards and updated codes of practice. The implementation timeline will be set out by Ofcom -- check ofcom.org.uk for current dates as these develop.
How will platforms verify that users are 16 or over?
Platforms will need to implement 'age assurance' systems meeting standards set by Ofcom. The specific acceptable methods will be in Ofcom's codes of practice. Options may include credit card checks, mobile network verification, photo ID services or other technically robust approaches. Self-declaration will not be sufficient.
What happens if a social media platform does not comply?
Ofcom can impose fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover. It can also seek court orders to restrict platform access in the UK. For the largest global platforms, potential fines represent billions of pounds. Ofcom also has powers to name and publicise non-compliant platforms.
Will under-16s be banned from social media entirely?
The restrictions require platforms to have age assurance measures in place and to prevent under-16s from accessing services. The practical effect -- whether determined, technically sophisticated teenagers can circumvent age assurance -- will depend on the robustness of the technical standards set by Ofcom and the platforms' implementation of them.
What rights do parents have under these restrictions?
The specific parental rights and controls under the restrictions will be set out in Ofcom's codes of practice. The Online Safety Act more broadly requires platforms to offer parental controls and transparency tools. Ofcom's implementation of the under-16 restrictions will address how parental oversight is handled within the age assurance framework.
Does this affect gaming platforms?
Gaming platforms with significant social features (chat, user-generated content, online communities) may be in scope depending on how Ofcom classifies them under the Online Safety Act. Check Ofcom's guidance for the current classification of specific platform types.
