So long Snapchat, stick to Signal What will be banned and how

Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook will all be blocked.

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Which social media apps will be banned for under-16s?

The government is using the same framework as in Australia. It will ban under-16s’ access for “user-to-user platforms” that enable social interaction between users, allow them to post material and use algorithms to recommend content - jargon for social media. This means every major platform is captured. Currently, you have to be at least 13 in the UK to use the big social media platforms.

The messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal will not be included in the ban, according to the government. There will be a “narrowly defined” list of other exemptions, because the government does not want to hit music streaming, e-commerce platforms or educational services.

The government expects the ban, which follows a consultation that received more than 116,000 responses, to come into force by spring next year. It will publish the full response to the consultation next month.

What are the other restrictions?

The plan is being called an “Australia plus” ban because other measures are being introduced. Livestreaming and communication with strangers will be blocked for under-16s on a “wider range of online services” such as gaming sites like Roblox.