Under-16s Social Media Restrictions —

What You Need toKnow The UK government has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, expected to come into force in Spring 2027. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X will be legally required to verify a user ' s age before allowing access. AI ' companion ' chatbots designed for romantic or sexual roleplay will be banned for under-18s, and all AI chatbots will be restricted from offering sexually explicit features to children. WhatsApp and Signal are not included in the restrictions.