Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work?
Here is an explainer by Dan Milmo and Aisha Down about the plans Keir Starmer is about to announce.
Keir Starmer set to announce under-16s social media ban
Good morning. In Downing Street, officials reportedly refuse to discuss Keir Starmer’s desire to establish a legacy. However, it is difficult for others to avoid the term, especially on a morning when he has summoned reporters to Downing Street for an 8am press conference regarding his plans for a social media ban. In lobby terms, this is considered exceptionally early. The announcement could have waited. Yet, Starmer is scheduled to travel to France for the G7 summit later, which will occupy him until Wednesday night, and on Thursday it’s the. Starmer is determined to make this announcement before then because Andy Burnham appears set to become an MP in the early hours of Friday, potentially altering UK politics significantly – and Starmer’s opportunity for legacy-making may quickly close.
Last summer, the UK government showed little interest in following the Australian government when it announced similar measures. Within months, the government’s stance shifted, and by early 2026, Starmer confirmed there would definitely be some form of crackdown. However, he indicated he was still undecided between a full social media ban for under-16s and alternative measures targeting the most harmful features of these apps.
Ultimately, Starmer seems to have chosen both options under measures described as “Australia plus.” Jessica Elgot, Dan Milmo, and Aisha Down provide details in our overnight story.
The Conservatives claim Starmer is following their lead. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, stated:
“It’s shameful that it’s taken the prime minister’s job to be on the line for the government to finally u-turn and ban social media for under 16s.
Three times Labour voted against a ban, failing to stand up to Big Tech and protect children from the extreme content they are exposed to every day.
As Conservatives we did not give up, I kept fighting for the brave bereaved parents, health professionals, and campaigners who continued to make the case for change. This victory belongs to them. The Conservatives in opposition can make a difference and this change will finally help parents and protect childhood.”
Here is the agenda for the day.
- 8.10am: Starmer holds a press conference about his plans for a social media ban for under-16s.
- 10am: Starmer is interviewed on ITV’s This Morning.
- 11am: Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesperson, holds a press conference. The party has flagged this to journalists as a Jenrick press conference, but Politico notes that Farage will be there too – perhaps provoked by joining in writing about how his enthusiasm for media scrutiny seems to have mysteriously vanished since revelations about his £5m donation from a crypto billionaire.
- 11am: Kemi Badenoch holds a press conference.
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds a lobby briefing.
- 2.30pm: Steve Reed, the housing secretary, takes questions in the Commons.
- After 3.30pm: Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, makes a statement to MPs about the social media ban for under-16s. A statement from Dan Jarvis, the new defence secretary, is also expected.
- 4pm: Antonia Romeo, the cabinet secretary, gives evidence to the Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee.
- Afternoon: Starmer arrives in Evian, France, for the G7 summit.
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