UK proposes midnight curfew, limits infinite scroll for teens
The UK government has proposed stricter limits on young people's social media use, including a default overnight curfew blocking access between 00:00 and 06:00 for 16- and 17-year-olds, and turning off potentially addictive features (autoplay, continuously personalized infinite scroll) by default with an opt-in to re-enable. A blanket ban for under-16s has been announced for 2027. Draft bills are due to Parliament by year-end, with rules expected to take effect in spring 2027; enforcement and compliance would fall to platforms, carrying substantial penalties for breaches. Proposals also target AI chatbots, requiring periodic interaction pauses for under-18s and potentially excluding chatbots that give demonstrably harmful health advice. A month-long trial of 300+ teens and parents reported improved sleep, mood and concentration, with the curfew most favoured.
- •Default overnight curfew blocking access between 00:00 and 06:00 for 16–17-year-olds.
- •Blanket ban for under-16s announced for 2027; draft bills to be presented by year-end and rules expected to take effect in spring 2027.
- •Potentially addictive features (autoplay, continuously personalized infinite scroll) to be off by default for older teens, with an opt-in to re-enable.
