UK social media ban for under-16s could encompass YouTube Kids
A major expansion of the UK's planned social media ban for under-16s could inadvertently affect up to 150 platforms, including YouTube Kids and Spotify.
A substantial expansion of the UK government’s planned social media ban for under-16s could inadvertently prohibit platforms previously thought exempt, including YouTube Kids. The Guardian reported that newly drafted regulations, scheduled to take effect in March, might cover up to 150 platforms such as Lego Play.
Ministers are pursuing a catch-all framework focusing on recommender algorithms and user-generated content to prevent teenagers from circumventing restrictions, drawing lessons from Australia's experience. Consequently, questions have arisen over whether services like Spotify and eBay could fall within scope, prompting industry calls for urgent clarification.
The proposals face cabinet review this week, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expected to present them to parliament in December. While tech groups support child safety goals, they caution that overly broad criteria could cause uncertainty for families and digital providers across Britain.
Source: The Guardian Photo: rawpixel (CC0)
