UK Targets YouTube with Under-16 Ban and Broader AI, VPN Rules
U.K. PM Keir Starmer plans to expand government powers to fast-track internet regulations, including under-16 social media access restrictions and extending AI content and VPN oversight to platforms like YouTube. Similar child-safety and eKYC proposals are being considered in Spain, Greece, Slovenia, France, Czech Republic and Malaysia.
1. New Regulatory Powers
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to grant the government expanded authority to regulate internet platforms, enabling ministers to implement digital policy reviews within months rather than waiting years for primary legislation and declaring that 'no platform gets a free pass' under the new framework.
2. Under-16 Social Media Ban Under Review
The government has launched a consultation on an Australia-style ban restricting social media access for users under 16, with regulations potentially enforced on all major platforms to protect children from digital risks.
3. AI Chatbots and VPN Oversight
The proposal would extend laws banning sexualized images created without consent to AI chatbots such as xAI’s Grok and examine whether age verification requirements should apply to VPN services that circumvent geographical restrictions.
4. Global Similar Proposals
Spain, Greece, Slovenia, France and the Czech Republic are weighing comparable under-15 or under-16 bans, while Malaysia’s Online Safety Act now mandates electronic Know Your Customer identity checks using official IDs for social media users.