Britain is considering banning the use of social networks for minors under the age of 16

The debate in the UK will not only deal with the prohibition itself, but also with its enforcement methods. Among the topics on the agenda will be examined how to reliably verify the age of users, how to limit the ability of technology companies to collect and process personal information of minors, and what steps can be taken to reduce content and tools that are considered addictive, such as endless scrolling, content pushing algorithms and extensive use of notifications.

The British move comes shortly after Australia became the first country in the world to actually ban the use of social networks for those under 16. The Australian law, which came into effect overnight, requires major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit and Twitch to block users under the legal age, using advanced age assessment mechanisms. Within hours, tens of thousands of accounts were closed, and from government data in Canberra it emerged that hundreds of thousands more accounts are expected to be blocked.

Britain is not starting from scratch: in 2023, the Online Safety Act will enter into force in the country, which imposes extensive obligations on websites and platforms when it comes to the protection of minors. Among other things, age verification obligations have already been imposed on pornography sites, and strict rules have been established for removing harmful content. However, government officials admit that the existing legislation has not allayed parents’ concerns. British Minister Liz Kendall noted that many parents continue to report their children’s exposure to offensive, violent or sexual content, as well as negative effects on mental health.

The political timing is no accident: the public consultation process opened a few days before an expected vote in the House of Lords on an amendment to the Children’s Welfare and Schools Act. The amendment seeks to establish a ban on surfing social networks for children under the age of 16, which will enter into force within a year if approved. At the same time, British ministers are expected to visit Australia to closely examine the implications of the new law and how it is implemented on the ground.

The British debate also raises complex questions of freedom of expression and children’s rights. Critics warn that a blanket ban could keep young people away from arenas where they express themselves, form social connections and receive information and support. Young people from underprivileged communities, including youth from the gay community, claim in other countries that social networks are for them an essential space for a sense of belonging and emotional support. On the other hand, the supporters of the move emphasize that this is a temporary and age-restricted measure, designed to protect children during a sensitive period of development.

Technology companies are also watching with concern. In Australia, various platforms expressed reservations about the law, but announced that they would obey it. In the UK, a similar struggle is expected, mainly around issues of privacy and age verification. Companies warn against the widespread use of facial recognition or the collection of identification documents, and claim that this may harm the privacy of all users, not just minors.