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Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s

Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work? Keir Starmer is to ban… Grouped from 3 articles across 2 sources.

3 reports2 sourcesJun 14, 2026, 9:42 PM
FilterThe Guardian
Clustered coverageABC Australia, The Guardian
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The GuardianJun 14, 2026, 9:42 PM

Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s

Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work? Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands. In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban – such as gaming apps – will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed. Continue reading...

The GuardianJun 14, 2026, 3:39 PM

Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work?

Government wants to back parents against tech companies though some feel the process has been rushed Keir Starmer is expected to announce sweeping “Australia-plus” restrictions on under-16s accessing harmful social media apps, a move the government has framed as taking the side of parents against the big technology companies. A consultation on online safety closed on 26 May, giving ministers just weeks to come up with policies after receiving more than 116,000 responses. Industry sources and child safety advocates have described the process as “rushed” and driven by a political timeline. It is not clear when the ban could come into force. Continue reading...

ABC AustraliaJun 13, 2026, 7:47 PM

Why young people say the social media ban is not working six months on

Research suggests many under-16s are still active on social media platforms. BTN High explores why and tests the accuracy of popular technology used to estimate age.

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