Story perspectives

UK Bans Under-16s TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat; Trump Threatens Tariffs

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on under-16s using TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, to start in spring 2027.
The Department for Education earmarked £130 million for the Every Child Can programme to fund weekend activities as social-media alternatives.
Civil-liberties groups warned the age-verification system could build a nationwide digital-ID network and expand surveillance.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned the United Kingdom could face higher tariffs because the ban mainly targets American tech firms.

History

Historical Context

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation took effect in May 2018, prompting the UK’s 2018 Data Protection Act and a 2019 ICO code that tightened rules for children’s social-media use. After the Irish regulator fined TikTok €345 million in 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a 2027 ban on under-16 access to TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on under-16s using TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, to start in spring 2027.
The Department for Education earmarked £130 million for the Every Child Can programme to fund weekend activities as social-media alternatives.
Civil-liberties groups warned the age-verification system could build a nationwide digital-ID network and expand surveillance.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned the United Kingdom could face higher tariffs because the ban mainly targets American tech firms.

1 / 2