Streeting backs under-16s social media ban as government consultation concludes

The UK government's consultation on restricting social media for under-16s has concluded, with senior Labour figure Wes Streeting backing an outright ban and accusing regulators of being 'asleep at the wheel' [1]. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has promised new measures by the end of 2026 [1], with options including app curfews and stronger age checks [1]. The consultation received 70,000 submissions [1]. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to take 'decisive' action, stating, 'I'm absolutely clear that this needs to be something where there's a game changer, so we will be acting' [1]. Streeting, who recently resigned from cabinet, argued the 'precautionary principle should apply here' and likened big tech's tactics to those of the tobacco industry [1]. The push for regulation follows global scrutiny of major platforms. TikTok, which surpassed two billion mobile downloads worldwide by April 2020 [2], has faced criticism over data privacy and mental health concerns [2]. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been involved in numerous lawsuits and faced mistrust over its privacy controls [6][7]. Its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been criticized for their small recording indicator light [5]. Campaigners are divided. Bereaved families, including Ellen Roome whose son Jools died in 2022, will meet the Prime Minister to urge raising the access age to 16 [1]. Conversely, trade body TechUK advocates for 'regulating by features, not by platform' [1]. The debate echoes other UK policy reviews, such as the 2024 Cass Review on gender services, which was endorsed by both major parties despite criticism from some medical and LGBTQ groups [3]. The government's final response to the social media consultation is expected this summer [1].