Proposed regulations in the United Kingdom could significantly expand the scope of the upcoming social media ban for users under 16, potentially covering platforms previously thought to be exempt. Sources briefed on the government’s proposals indicate that services such as YouTube Kids, LegoPlay, Spotify, and even eBay might fall under the new restrictions.
The regulations are set to be sent for cabinet signoff this week. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to lay the rules in parliament in December, with the ban scheduled to come into force in March. Industry sources estimate that up to 150 platforms could be affected by the expanded definitions.
Scope of the UK social media ban
Ministers are pursuing a catch-all approach to limit workarounds that teenagers might use to bypass age restrictions. Critics of similar bans in Australia have noted that teens often switch to alternative platforms or use messaging features on seemingly innocuous sites to communicate.
The working proposal focuses on recommender systems and user-generated content. This technical focus means that platforms with algorithmic recommendations or user comments could be in scope, regardless of their primary function. Spotify, for example, offers recommended music and podcasts alongside some user-generated content. The company has sought reassurances that it will not be banned, arguing it is not primarily a social platform.
One industry source highlighted the uncertainty facing companies. “We all share the goal of keeping teenagers safe online. Proposals have to be workable, and a situation where eBay, Lego, YouTube Kids and Spotify aren’t clear whether they comply is unsustainable. Detailed guidelines can’t come soon enough,” the source said.
Another figure noted that the regulation is too broad. “The whole internet has a recommender system. The regulation is just too broad. But they want to make it really broad and legally airtight so they can be prepared for any eventuality,” they added.
Future regulations and industry pushback
Companies are expected to receive briefings on the final proposal from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and No 10 in the coming days. When Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the ban in June, the government stated it would not include educational services, e-commerce platforms, or music streaming. A narrowly defined list of exemptions was promised, though tech companies are now lobbying against the removal of recommender algorithms, arguing it would make their sites impossible to function.
The regulations do not require primary legislation in the House of Commons. Instead, they will be tabled as an addition to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act.
Ministers are also considering a second tranche of regulations for next spring. This phase could cover e-commerce platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and Depop. MPs and campaigners have raised concerns that teenagers and online groomers can use messaging features on these sites to communicate anonymously.
After Nandy confirmed in interviews that the government was looking to bring Vinted and other e-commerce platforms into scope, officials held a call with retailers. Several retailers strongly contested the plans. One industry figure argued it would be illogical to allow messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage while banning platforms like Vinted and eBay simply because they have messaging capabilities.
Online Safety Minister Ian Murray confirmed to MPs last week that the government is examining these sites for the next tranche of regulations. He stated that platforms which redesign their services to remove harmful or addictive functions would have a route to removing themselves from the banned list.
“The way back is to comply with the regulations and fall out of scope. That is an easy thing to say but not an easy thing to deliver, but that is the principle with which we will go forward,” Murray said. He added that platforms such as YouTube Kids and LegoPlay would need to demonstrate they did not have harmful algorithms. Tech industry bodies have told the government that platforms such as YouTube Kids cease to function without the recommender system, making it impossible for them to comply with the off-ramp.
Source: The Guardian
