Britain's proposed social media restrictions for children under 16 may include YouTube Kids, widening the debate over how officials will distinguish social platforms from services built around recommendations.
Up to 150 platforms could fall under the plan, the Guardian reported Tuesday, citing a source close to the discussions. The Guardian attributed the estimate to one source close to the talks; it is not an official government list.
The Guardian reported that the working approach could consider whether a service recommends material and allows users to post content. Under the working proposal as described by the Guardian, Spotify might be included because it recommends music and podcasts and hosts some user content. The company has sought assurances, arguing it is not primarily a social platform.
In a Nov. 2 House of Commons exchange, Online Safety Minister Ian Murray discussed whether services such as YouTube Kids and Lego Play could prevent risks associated with recommendation systems, comments and contact with strangers. He said services that meet the requirements should have a route out of the restrictions. The Commons transcript indicates the process is still under development, with details likely to be considered later.
The Guardian also reported that ministers are weighing separate rules for next spring that could apply to online marketplaces including Vinted, eBay and Depop. Industry groups have warned that removing recommendation features could leave some services, including YouTube Kids, unable to operate, the newspaper reported.
The government said in June that it planned to bar social media companies from offering services to under-16s, with narrow exemptions for education, e-commerce and music streaming. It said those exemptions would remain under review. EconoTimes previously covered the planned restrictions and questions about age checks.
The government’s July response set a target of putting the first regulations before Parliament by the end of 2026 and said it expects the restrictions to take effect in spring 2027. The Guardian reported that the regulations were expected to go to Cabinet for sign-off this week and that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy was expected to lay them before Parliament in December.
