The regulations being looked at could ban up to 150 platforms, including things such as Lego Play, when it comes in next MarchThe regulations being looked at could ban up to 150 platforms(Image: Kenneth Cheung via Getty Images)The proposed social media ban for under-16s could result in restrictions on YouTube Kids and Spotify. The regulations under consideration could prohibit access to up to 150 platforms, including services such as Lego Play, when they take effect next March.The Mirror understands that YouTube and Spotify could be banned for under-16s by the Government, which is developing social media restrictions for young people scheduled to be implemented next spring.Ministers are pursuing a comprehensive approach that minimises loopholes, meaning that if companies fail to cooperate with the Government, they could still breach the regulations currently under review by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.Last week, online safety minister Ian Murray cautioned platforms such as YouTube Kids and Lego Play that they must demonstrate they do not employ harmful algorithms, reports the Mirror.He said: “Are there ways in which you can stop the harms being created by the algorithms, the recommender systems, the commenting systems or the conversations that can be had with strangers?”.”If you have created a service that complies with all the regulations, is it then available to under-16s? I would say that, currently, the government’s position is that, yes, there has to be an off-ramp.”According to the Guardian, some firms remain uncertain as to whether they will adhere to the ban. An industry insider said: “We all share the goal of keeping teenagers safe online. Proposals have to be workable, and a situation where eBay, Lego, YouTube Kids and Spotify aren’t clear whether they comply is unsustainable. Detailed guidelines can’t come soon enough.”Another source added: “The whole internet has a recommender system. The regulation is just too broad. But they want to make it really broad and legally airtight so they can be prepared for any eventuality.”In September, Ms Nandy stated that a social media ban would be drafted using a “safety by feature-led approach”. This would differ from the method adopted by Australia, which last year introduced a world-first social media ban for under-16s by compiling a list of prohibited social media platforms.Ms Nandy is also considering extending the ban to cover online marketplaces, where individuals sell second-hand goods, such as eBay, Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace. Online gaming platforms could also fall within the scope of the proposals.DCMS was contacted for comment.
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