Overview
- The government announced the proposal on Wednesday, July 15, to set social apps to block access for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds from midnight to 6 a.m. by default while allowing users to opt out.
- Platforms would also be required to disable features that encourage prolonged use for that age group, including autoplay, infinite scroll and personalised feeds, and ministers plan controls for under‑18 use of AI chatbots.
- Officials cite a pilot of about 300 teenagers that reported reduced overnight use and gains in sleep and concentration, and they say earlier platform trials showed most teens kept restrictive defaults.
- Opposition politicians, child‑safety groups and scientists warn the voluntary default may be ineffective because teens can disable settings, could push young people to harder‑to‑monitor services, and may unevenly affect vulnerable groups.
- Similar measures are emerging internationally — provincial proposals in Pakistan and policy moves in South Korea, Australia and the EU — and the UK package must still clear Parliament before expected implementation next spring.