Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s

Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps

• Why is the UK launching an Australia plus' social media ban and how will it work?

Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as Australia plus", the Guardian understands.

In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban - such as gaming apps - will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed.