UK curbs teens' social media, drops VPN ban, probes TikTok

The UK government has announced a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, dropped plans to restrict VPNs, and Ofcom has launched an investigation into TikTok's child safety measures. Source: BBC, TNW, Guardian

Overnight curfew for older teens

From spring 2027, teens aged 16-17 will face a default block on social media apps between midnight and 6am, though they can override the setting. Features like autoplay and infinite scrolling will also be disabled by default. The move follows last month's under-16 social media ban and aims to avoid a "cliff edge" when teens turn 16. Source: Aljazeera, AP Critics question the effectiveness of an optional curfew, with opposition politician Laura Trott calling it illogical. Source: AP The NSPCC welcomed the step but warned it risks being a "sticking plaster" without stronger measures. Source: Aljazeera

VPN restrictions abandoned

The government decided not to limit VPNs after research found only 7% of children use them to bypass age checks, while nearly half simply lie about their age. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall cited VPNs' "legitimate privacy and security uses." Source: TNW

Ofcom investigates TikTok

The regulator is probing whether TikTok's age inference method meets the Online Safety Act's requirement for "highly effective" age assurance. Ofcom has "serious doubts" about the technique's accuracy. TikTok says it is confident it meets its obligations and will cooperate. Source: Engadget, BBC, Guardian