PolicyRegulatory Action
Lord Grade proposes two-year under-16 social media ban trial
Lord Grade, former head of Ofcom, has proposed a two-year trial ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. This measure is intended as a "wake-up call" to tech companies regarding their practices.
Key Takeaways
- Lord Grade, former head of Ofcom, proposed a two-year trial ban on social media for people under 16.
- He described the measure as a “wake-up call” to tech companies.
- The proposal comes through The Telegraph’s report on May 29, 2026.
Why It Matters
If adopted, a two-year under-16 social media ban would immediately force platforms to confront a clearer age-based access restriction, not just softer safety guidance. The proposal also signals continued pressure on tech companies from a former Ofcom chief, keeping age verification and youth access squarely in the policy debate. The key signal to watch is whether the idea advances beyond a proposal into an actual two-year trial framework for under-16 users.
Read full article at telegraph.co.uk