UK ANNOUNCES SWEEPING SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS FOR UNDER-16S

By Alpaslan Düven-London

LONDON — In a controversial move that has sparked widespread debate, the UK government has unveiled a far-reaching social media supervision regime affecting all individuals under the age of 16.

Under the new rules, minors will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms unless they are under verified parental supervision. Supervision records must be logged digitally through the official UK government app, with parents required to approve every post, comment, like, and share in real time.

Authorities say failure to adequately supervise a child’s online activity could be classified as “negligent digital guardianship.” Penalties for violations may include fines of up to £10,000, and in serious cases, the removal of internet-enabled devices from the household.

The regulations reportedly provide no exemptions for educational purposes or mental health considerations.

Critics have raised concerns over several additional provisions. Accessing a weather website through a browser capable of reaching social media platforms could be interpreted as attempted access. Screenshots of restricted platforms may be treated as digital contraband, while classroom discussions about banned services could be considered conspiracy to access prohibited content.

The measures also include a controversial reporting system encouraging anonymous reports from family members regarding suspected violations.

Perhaps most contentious is a provision stating that parents who publicly oppose the supervision framework online could lose their authorization to supervise their children’s social media activity.

Government officials describe the program as essential for online safety. Opponents have called it an unprecedented expansion of digital surveillance and parental liability.

Compliance is mandatory.