{"id":23613,"date":"2026-04-09T16:27:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leonardi.adv.br\/insights\/\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:27:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:27:45","slug":"uk-consults-the-public-on-banning-social-media-for-under-16s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leonardi.adv.br\/en\/insights\/uk-consults-the-public-on-banning-social-media-for-under-16s\/","title":{"rendered":"UK consults the public on banning social media for under-16s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On March 2, 2026, the UK government launched a national public consultation on the use of digital technologies by children and adolescents. The initiative targets both young people and adults and aims to gather views and proposals on how to better protect minors online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Topics covered include platform features, restrictions on minors\u2019 use of chatbots, and the possibility of banning social media for users under the age of 16, a measure already adopted by Australia. The government also announced that it will conduct practical tests to assess the real-world impact of these potential restrictions, involving around 150 adolescents aged 13 to 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consultation takes place amid growing debate about the effects of social media on the development of children and adolescents. The UK already has the Online Safety Act, which imposes significant obligations on digital platforms regarding the protection of minors, and the initiative may lead to additional legislative or regulatory measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leonardi Advogados\u2019 Opinion:<\/strong> the UK government\u2019s consultation reflects a broader global trend of reassessing the limits of minors\u2019 access to digital platforms. The fact that a country with a well-established digital regulatory framework is considering more restrictive measures, such as banning social media for users under 16, highlights the increasing level of regulatory concern in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For companies operating with child and adolescent audiences, closely monitoring this debate is essential. Brazil\u2019s Digital ECA, which recently entered into force, is still in the process of being regulated, and international developments are likely to influence future decisions by the ANPD and lawmakers. Anticipating this scenario by reviewing products, features, and business models can help reduce risks and ease adaptation to future requirements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On March 2, 2026, the UK government launched a national public consultation on the use of digital technologies by children and adolescents. The initiative targets both young people and adults and aims to gather views and proposals on how to better protect minors online. 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