Keir Starmer will ban under-16s from major social media apps including TikTok, Instagram, and X under newly revealed 'Australia plus' restrictions, the Guardian has learned. Teenagers will lose access to all main platforms, while gaming apps not covered by the ban must remove the option to chat with strangers. Older teens up to age 18 will face a prohibition on scrolling after 8:30pm.
The government frames the move as backing parents against big technology companies, arguing the measures are needed to protect young users from harmful content. The policy draws on Australia's existing social media restrictions but goes further by targeting features within gaming apps and imposing curfews.
A consultation on online safety closed on 26 May, yielding over 116,000 responses. Ministers have had only weeks to formulate the policy, a timeline that industry sources and child safety advocates describe as 'rushed' and driven by political considerations rather than thorough review. When the ban could take effect remains unclear.
The restrictions apply to the main social platforms but exempt certain online products, forcing gaming apps to restrict stranger interactions instead. The late-night scrolling ban for 16- to 18-year-olds targets what officials describe as harmful usage patterns during late hours.
Critics argue the expedited process risks unintended consequences, including driving young users to unregulated platforms or creating enforcement challenges for tech companies. The policy will be formally announced by Starmer in the coming days.