This development places the United Kingdom within an expanding international trend aimed at enhancing online protections for minors.
During a press conference, Starmer stated he would push back if tech companies oppose the measure, while also acknowledging that some teenagers would attempt to circumvent a prohibition. However, he emphasized that he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children”.
Scheduled to go into force early next year, this initiative aligns the UK with a rising global effort to strengthen child safety online. Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have already enacted legislation or announced age-based restrictions or mandates concerning minors' access to social media. Meanwhile, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are among the nations examining or crafting comparable strategies.