Social Media: Children
(asked on 7th July 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the press release, social media to be banned for under-16s in landmark government move to give kids their childhood back, 15 June 2026, whether the Government’s new Digital ID will be used for age verification.
Answered by
Kanishka Narayan
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
Following the Government’s announcement that it will restrict social media access for under-16s, the Secretary of State asked Ofcom to conduct a rapid assessment of what will constitute highly effective age assurance and what is fair and accessible. Ofcom will publish its findings in October.
Government is considering a range of options. Any use of digital identity services would remain voluntary.