Back to News
UK social media ban may lock out more than 100,000 teenagers without ID
UK NewsBusiness•October 29, 2026 at 1:45 PMNational

UK social media ban may lock out more than 100,000 teenagers without ID

By Dan Milmo Global technology editor•The Guardian - UK News

Watchdog says under-16 ban may affect older teenagers without passport or licence, and that ‘motivated children’ will skirt restrictionsMore than 100,000 British teenagers risk being locked out of social media in the UK if they do not have a passport or driving licence when an under-16 ban is introduced next year.Ofcom, the UK’s online watchdog, said about 150,000 16 to 17-year-olds do not own a passport or driving licence, which are likely to be needed to access age-restricted platforms. Continue reading...

Watchdog says under-16 ban may affect older teenagers without passport or licence, and that ‘motivated children’ will skirt restrictions

More than 100,000 British teenagers risk being locked out of social media in the UK if they do not have a passport or driving licence when an under-16 ban is introduced next year.

Ofcom, the UK’s online watchdog, said about 150,000 16 to 17-year-olds do not own a passport or driving licence, which are likely to be needed to access age-restricted platforms.

Continue reading...

Related News

Michelle O'Neill says DUP has blocked her from PM meeting in Glasgow
UK News

Michelle O'Neill says DUP has blocked her from PM meeting in Glasgow

The move follows unionist anger over Sinn Féin's involvement in protests which prevented a contentious Orange Order marc...

BBC News - UK6 minutes ago
Shock of rail tragedy gives way to sorrow and outrage in politically divided Spain
UK News

Shock of rail tragedy gives way to sorrow and outrage in politically divided Spain

The latest train crash will pile pressure on the government of Pedro Sánchez, one month before the general election.

BBC News - UK10 minutes ago
'The internet's a less whimsical place' - YouTuber Jacksepticeye branches out
UK NewsEntertainmentMusic News

'The internet's a less whimsical place' - YouTuber Jacksepticeye branches out

He got famous playing video games but now you're more likely to see Seán McLoughlin in one.

BBC Entertainment & Arts11 minutes ago
How £100 vanishes in minutes: inside the ‘slot farms’ targeted in the budget
UK NewsBusiness

How £100 vanishes in minutes: inside the ‘slot farms’ targeted in the budget

John Healey has hit adult gaming centres with 25% tax. Undercover footage shows how they lure customersThe last of five...

The Guardian - UK News18 minutes ago
Healey accepts ‘hard decisions’ ahead as thinktank says 2020s set to be worst decade for living standards growth – UK politics live
UK NewsPolitics

Healey accepts ‘hard decisions’ ahead as thinktank says 2020s set to be worst decade for living standards growth – UK politics live

Resolution Foundation says 2020s set to be the worst decade, by far, for more than half a century for rising living stan...

The Guardian - UK News25 minutes ago
Healey’s budget paves way for ‘brutal’ spending review next year, warns IFS
UK NewsBusiness

Healey’s budget paves way for ‘brutal’ spending review next year, warns IFS

Thinktank says chancellor has given himself a mountain to climb after ducking big decisions in low-key speechJohn Healey...

The Guardian - UK News31 minutes ago

More From These Categories

Featured Artists