Passport Checks May Enforce Under-16 Social Media Ban

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

The UK government will require social media platforms to implement strict age verification by spring 2027 to prevent users under 16 from accessing addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay. This move aims to reduce children’s exposure to harmful online content and includes curfews and feature restrictions for users aged 16 and 17, with Ofcom overseeing enforcement and encouraging safer, age-specific apps.

The UK government is set to introduce mandatory stringent age verification measures for social media platforms as part of plans to bar children under 16 from using certain services. Announced ahead of a formal rollout expected in spring 2027, the approach aims to address growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content online.

Under the forthcoming regulations, users may be required to present official identification such as passports or driving licences to verify their age before accessing platforms deemed to have “addictive” features. These features include infinite scrolling, autoplay, and push notifications, which officials argue encourage compulsive use. Platforms permitting unsolicited contact via chat functions will also fall under the ban. The restrictions are anticipated to impact widely used apps including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X.

A senior government source emphasised the focus on protecting children through robust verification methods, stating that lower standards would be unacceptable in other areas of life. Instead of an outright ban on platforms for under-16s, the new model targets specific features designed to be addictive, with the possibility of lifting restrictions if companies remove those elements.

This shift follows criticism of a similar Australian law introduced in December 2025, which reportedly had limited success. The Australian government admitted more than 70% of under-16s retained some access to restricted platforms three months after implementation. Research from the University of Newcastle highlighted widespread circumvention, with children describing it as “easy” to bypass basic AI-driven age checks by using tactics such as manipulating selfies, employing virtual private networks (VPNs), or exploiting other loopholes.

In the UK, Ofcom, the communications regulator, has been tasked with exploring various age assurance methods to ensure reliable verification. Additional measures will include restrictions for users aged 16 and 17, who would face a curfew on social media usage from midnight to 6 a.m. and have addictive features disabled. The government clarified that gaming platforms like Roblox and private messaging services such as WhatsApp would not be subject to the ban but could face certain limitations.

Officials have also encouraged tech companies to consider developing separate apps tailored specifically for children and teenagers. These “kids” or “teens” apps would ideally prioritize safe, educational content without high-risk features.

The proposals follow a public consultation that generated over 116,000 responses, reflecting significant interest in measures to safeguard young people online. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the ban as a “critical first step” towards online safety for children.

The government’s expected changes signal a firm regulatory approach aimed at curbing underage exposure to potentially harmful social media practices while encouraging platforms to innovate safer, age-appropriate experiences.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.