UKIE welcomes video games being classed separately from social media as UK government announces ban
in newsletterGamesIndustry.biz · 2 min read · top_stories
The UK government announced a ban on social media for under-16s, set to take effect by spring 2027, while explicitly classifying video games as distinct from social media. The ban targets platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The government will also implement default-off restrictions on livestreaming and stranger communication across online services including "gaming sites"—though UKIE clarified this does not refer to video games themselves. These restrictions apply to users under 17. UKIE CEO Nick Poole welcomed the games classification, citing the PEGI rating system and platform safety features as evidence the industry already protects children.
Mentioned entities
Appeared in 2026-06-15.