White House Urges UK to Avoid Under-16 Social Media Ban

The White House has urged the UK government not to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, arguing that such measures could place an unfair burden on major US technology companies.

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In a submission to a UK government consultation on online safety, the Trump administration opposed what it described as broad government restrictions and rigid regulatory approaches aimed at tackling online harms faced by young people.

The submission, published by the US embassy in London, questioned the effectiveness of age-verification measures for users aged 13 to 16. It argued that technologies designed to distinguish adults from minors are not easily adaptable to lower age thresholds.

US Favors Parental Controls

Instead of outright restrictions, the White House called for stronger parental oversight tools. It said parents should be given greater control over privacy settings, account management and safety features, while platforms should be required to provide healthier online environments for younger users.

The intervention highlights continuing disagreements between Washington and London over online regulation. The UK's Online Safety Act has faced criticism from some US politicians and officials who argue it could restrict free speech.

US Vice President JD Vance has previously said that free expression in Britain is "in retreat", while a senior Republican lawmaker has referred to the legislation as the UK's "online censorship law".

UK Considering New Restrictions

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil plans next week targeting what the government considers harmful social media applications.

The proposals are expected to include additional safeguards for children, potentially including restrictions on communication with strangers through gaming platforms. Limits on the use of AI chatbots by minors are also being considered.

The government has not specified which applications could fall under a ban. However, some educational services may be exempt, with reports suggesting that YouTube Kids could be excluded from any restrictions.

The debate follows similar action in Australia, where under-16s are barred from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Concerns Over Impact on US Firms

The White House also expressed concern that regulatory approaches adopted by the UK and the European Union could disproportionately affect American technology companies.

In its submission, the US government said it was concerned about rules that create heavier compliance obligations for US firms or that apply differently to comparable online services.

A UK government spokesperson said ministers intend to act quickly once the consultation concludes but stressed that any measures must be practical, enforceable and effective in protecting children online.

Legal Challenges Loom

Officials are also understood to be aware of the possibility of legal challenges to any new measures.

Meanwhile, Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is already pursuing a judicial review related to the Online Safety Act. The company is challenging aspects of the fee and enforcement regime being implemented by the UK's media regulator.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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