UK Government Proposes Online Safety Restrictions for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

The United Kingdom government is considering expanding its online safety regulations to include 16- and 17-year-olds, potentially restricting their access to certain social media features. Under proposed updates to the Online Safety Act, tech companies could be required to disable “addictive” features, such as infinite scrolling and automated video playback, for younger users to mitigate risks to mental health and online safety.

Expanding the Scope of the Online Safety Act

The UK government, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has signaled an intent to review how the existing Online Safety Act applies to older adolescents. While the current legislation primarily focuses on protecting children under 16, ministers are examining whether the protections should be extended to include 17-year-olds.

According to government statements, this shift is part of a broader effort to address concerns regarding the impact of social media algorithms on the development and well-being of teenagers. By potentially categorizing 16- and 17-year-olds as “children” under specific provisions of the Act, the government aims to compel platforms to implement stricter safety measures.

Proposed Restrictions on Addictive Features

The core of the proposal involves limiting design features that keep users engaged for extended periods. If implemented, social media platforms could be forced to disable:

* Infinite Scrolling: A design element that continuously loads content, making it difficult for users to stop using the platform.
* Auto-play: The automatic starting of video content, which is often cited as a tool for increasing time spent on apps.
* Night-time Restrictions: Potential limits on notifications or app functionality during late hours to protect adolescent sleep patterns.

These measures align with recommendations from safety campaigners who argue that current platform designs are optimized for engagement rather than user safety.

Regulatory Oversight and Industry Compliance

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, remains the primary body responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act. If the government proceeds with these amendments, Ofcom would be tasked with setting new codes of practice for social media companies. Platforms found in violation of these codes could face significant financial penalties, reaching up to 10% of their global annual revenue.

Industry representatives have previously expressed concerns regarding the technical feasibility of age-gating older teenagers, noting that robust age verification often conflicts with user privacy and data security. The government’s consultation process is expected to address these challenges as it balances the need for child protection with the practical realities of platform architecture.

Next Steps for Online Safety Legislation

The government’s review is ongoing, with further guidance expected from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. While no firm implementation date has been set, the potential inclusion of 16- and 17-year-olds represents a significant evolution in the UK’s approach to digital regulation. Policymakers are currently weighing the benefits of enhanced safety protections against the potential impact on the digital autonomy of older adolescents as they prepare for the next phase of the legislative rollout.