UK social media ban for under 16s explained as PM meets Facebook and Google

UK social media ban for under 16s explained as PM meets Facebook and GoogleKeir Starmer is under increasing pressure to introduce a social media ban for under 16s - The Mirror looks at how Australia's ban works and how one could work in the UKCommentsNewsSophie Huskisson Political Correspondent12:49, 16 Apr 2026Updated 12:59, 16 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesMeta boss Markus Reinisch talks to Google's Kate Alessi after being delivered stern words by the PM in Downing Street(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to introduce a social media ban for under 16s.‌On Wednesday night, MPs were forced to rejected a ban for the second time in six weeks after peers demanded one be brought in.‌Labour's digital safety consultation, which will conclude in the summer, will decide whether an outright ban is the best way forward, or whether to bring in other measures such as curbs on addictive app features or an overnight curfew. It will also look at where restrictions need to be implemented other than traditional social media platforms, such as gaming platforms and AI chatbots.‌But pressure is mounting on the PM to implement a ban urgently. It follows Australia enforcing one in December and other European countries including Greece and Spain putting forward similar plans.The PM hauled in tech giants to Downing Street on Thursday morning in an attempt to show bereaved parents he is listening to their demands. At the start of the meeting, he told bosses from X, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, Snap, TikTok, and Google, which owns YouTube, that the risks children face on social media “can’t go on like this”.And Mr Starmer hinted at the possibility of a ban, telling the tech chiefs: “In a world in which children are protected, even if that means access is restricted, that is preferable to a world where harm is the price of participation.”‌The Mirror looks at how Australia's social media ban works - and how one could work in the UK...