Fresh breakthrough in plans to curb social media for under-16s in UK as peers end stand-off with MPs
A parliamentary deadlock over social media restrictions for under-16s in the UK has been resolved after the government committed to implementing age or functionality limits regardless of the ongoing consultation. The House of Lords backed down following the government's binding pledge to address harmful online content and addictive features targeting children. The agreement was welcomed by peers, educators, and health professionals advocating for stronger child online safety measures.
- ▪The UK government pledged to impose social media restrictions on users under 16, irrespective of the current public consultation's outcome.
- ▪The House of Lords had previously voted four times to push for a ban on harmful digital content accessible to children.
- ▪Lord Nash, a Conservative peer, welcomed the government's commitment, stating it achieved the goals of his proposed amendment.
- ▪Education minister Baroness Smith emphasized that the government's action confirms it is a matter of 'how we act, not if we act' on child online safety.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsUKUK PoliticsFresh breakthrough in plans to curb social media for under-16s in UK as peers end stand-off with MPsPeers stood down on Tuesday after ministers announced they would impose social media restrictions for young people regardless of the outcome of the current consultationGeorge Thompson Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:28 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966689","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-social-media-ban-under-16-government-peers-b2966689.html","title":"Fresh breakthrough in plans to curb social…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Independent.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Independent
