The White House has called on the UK to refrain from implementing a social media ban for children under the age of 16, arguing that such restrictions could place a "disproportionate" burden on American technology companies. In a submission to a government consultation on online safety, the US government opposed what it described as "prescribed one-size-fits-all government restrictions" and "blunt regulatory instruments" aimed at addressing online harms to minors.
US Submission to UK Consultation
The notice, published by the US embassy in London, stated that age-gating measures for 13- to 16-year-olds would not be effective. "Technical methods developed to distinguish minors from adults cannot simply be repurposed for younger thresholds," the submission argued. Instead, the Trump administration recommended that the UK provide parents with "robust tools" to manage their children's privacy settings and account controls, while requiring platforms to promote a healthy online experience "rather than outright bans."
Tensions Over Online Safety
The UK's approach to online safety has been a source of friction between the White House and Downing Street. The Online Safety Act, in particular, has drawn criticism from across the Atlantic due to concerns about free speech. US Vice-President JD Vance has claimed that free speech in the UK is "in retreat," while a senior Republican congressman described the act as the "UK's online censorship law."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a ban on "harmful" social media apps next week, alongside other restrictive measures such as blocking conversations with strangers on gaming platforms and limits on AI chatbot use. While the specific apps to be banned have not been confirmed, exemptions are anticipated for "educational" platforms, with reports suggesting that YouTube Kids could be excluded from the ban.
Comparison with Australia and EU Concerns
In Australia, a blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media is already in place, blocking platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The White House has also expressed concerns that the UK and EU are pursuing legislative and regulatory paths that disproportionately target US tech firms. The US embassy notice stated: "We have concerns about regulations that impose disproportionate compliance burdens on American companies or that apply to one platform but not similar services."
Government Response and Legal Challenges
The UK government has committed to moving swiftly on implementing the findings of the safety consultation. "We've been clear we are determined to act quickly, but we will do so in a way that is effective, enforceable and genuinely keeps children safe," a government spokesperson said. However, ministers are reportedly mindful of the potential for a judicial review of the process.
Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—both of which will be affected by the consultation's outcome—is already seeking a judicial review of an aspect of the Online Safety Act. Meta has launched a legal challenge against the UK's media regulator regarding the fees and fines regime being enforced under the act.
