UK under-16 social media ban risks covering YouTube Kids and music apps

A significant broadening of the United Kingdom's social media ban for under-16s may inadvertently capture platforms previously considered exempt, including YouTube Kids and certain gaming sites, according to sources briefed on the government's proposals. The expanded regulations could encompass up to 150 platforms, a substantial increase that raises questions about the definition of social media in the digital age.

The draft regulations are scheduled for cabinet sign-off this week, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expected to introduce them in parliament in December. The ban itself is set to come into force in March. Ministers have indicated a preference for a comprehensive approach designed to limit workarounds, citing lessons from Australia where teenagers shifted to new platforms or used messaging features on other sites to communicate.

The working proposal focuses on recommender systems and user-generated content as the primary criteria for inclusion. This technical focus places services like Spotify at risk, as the streaming platform features recommended music and podcasts alongside some user-generated elements. While Spotify has sought reassurances that it will not be banned because it is not primarily a social platform, it technically falls within the scope of the current proposals.

Industry representatives have expressed concern over the lack of clarity. One source noted that the shared goal of keeping teenagers safe online requires workable proposals. They argued that a situation where major sites like eBay, Lego, YouTube Kids, and Spotify are unsure of their compliance status is unsustainable and called for detailed guidelines to be issued promptly.

Another industry figure described the regulation as overly broad, noting that the entire internet utilizes recommender systems. They suggested that the government aims to make the rules legally airtight to prepare for any eventualities. Tech companies are currently lobbying the government, arguing that removing the recommender algorithm would render their sites non-functional.

When Prime Minister Keir Starmer first announced the ban in June, the government stated it would exclude educational services, e-commerce platforms, and music streaming. At that time, officials promised a narrowly defined list of exemptions that would be kept under review. However, the current push for a catch-all approach appears to be narrowing that list of exclusions.

A second tranche of regulations is also under consideration for next spring, which could bring e-commerce platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and Depop into scope. Concerns have been raised by MPs and campaigners that teenagers and groomers use these sites to communicate via anonymous messaging features. After Nandy confirmed the government was looking at these platforms, officials held a call with retailers on Tuesday, during which several companies strongly contested the plans.

Online Safety Minister Ian Murray told MPs last week that the government is examining the features and functions of these sites. He acknowledged that platforms previously out of scope might be included if they introduce new functionalities, such as stranger conversation features, which he noted Spotify has recently added.

Murray explained that platforms could remove themselves from the banned list by redesigning their services to eliminate harmful or addictive functions. He described this as an off-ramp, where compliance with regulations would allow under-16s to access the service. However, he admitted that while the principle is straightforward, the delivery is complex.

Tech industry bodies have countered that platforms like YouTube Kids and LegoPlay cannot function without recommender systems, making it difficult to comply with the off-ramp requirements. They argue that these services must demonstrate they do not have harmful algorithms to remain accessible to younger users. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been approached for comment on the final proposals.