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White House urges UK not to ban social media for under-16s
TL;DR
The White House has urged the UK not to ban social media for users under 16, citing potential burdens on US tech firms. The US government advocates for parental control tools instead of strict age restrictions.
Key points
- White House urges UK not to ban social media for under-16s
- Restrictions could burden US tech firms
- US advocates for parental control tools instead of bans
Mentioned in this story
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The White House has urged the UK not to impose a social media ban for under-16s, as it said restrictions could impose a “disproportionate” burden on US tech firms.
In a submission to a government consultation on online safety, the US government came out against “prescribed one-size-fits-all government restrictions” and “blunt regulatory instruments” to address online harms to children.
The notice, published by the US embassy in London, added that age-gating for 13- to 16-year-olds would not work. “Technical methods developed to distinguish minors from adults cannot simply be repurposed for younger thresholds,” it said.
Instead, the Trump administration called on the UK to give parents “robust tools” to manage their children’s privacy settings and account controls, as well as requiring platforms to offer a healthy online experience “rather than outright bans”.
The UK approach to online safety has been a source of tension between the White House and Downing Street, with the Online Safety Act in particular attracting criticism from across the Atlantic due to free speech concerns. JD Vance, the US vice-president, has said free speech in the UK is “in retreat” while one senior Republican congressman described the act as the “UK’s online censorship law”.
The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, is expected to announce a ban on “harmful” social media apps next week, alongside a range of restrictive measures including the possibility of blocks on conversations with strangers on gaming platforms. Limits on AI chatbot use are also under consideration.
It is not known what “harmful” apps will be banned but there are expected to be exemptions for “educational” platforms, amid reports that YouTube Kids could be carved out of a ban. In Australia there is a blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media, meaning popular platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are all blocked.
The White House has also expressed concern that the UK and EU are taking a legislative and regulatory path that singles out US tech firms. The US embassy notice said: “We have concerns about regulations that impose disproportionate compliance burdens on American companies or that apply to one platform but not similar services.”
Q&A
Why is the White House against a social media ban for under-16s in the UK?
The White House believes that a ban would impose a disproportionate burden on US tech firms and advocates for parental control tools instead.
What concerns does the US government have about the UK's Online Safety Act?
The US government has raised free speech concerns regarding the UK's Online Safety Act, viewing it as a potential form of online censorship.
What alternative solutions does the US propose for online safety for minors?
The US proposes providing parents with robust tools to manage their children's privacy settings and account controls rather than imposing outright bans.
