Proposed social media regulations in the United Kingdom, intended to protect young people online, have been described as a "dog's dinner" by critics who argue the measures are easily circumvented.

The government announced that a curfew will automatically prevent minors from using social media between midnight and 6 a.m. However, children will reportedly be able to disable this feature. Addictive elements such as autoplay videos, recommender feeds, and infinite scroll are also slated to be switched off for 16- and 17-year-olds, a move that critics find inconsistent given this age group's eligibility to vote.

Further proposals include introducing "regular breaks" for users under 18 on AI chatbots and imposing restrictions on chatbots offering mental health advice. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated these measures are crucial for helping young people get adequate sleep, focus on education, and spend more time with family and friends.

However, opponents contend that the plans "won't achieve anything" and represent a superficial approach to online child protection. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the curfews, stating, "Either they think 16- and 17-year-olds should be on social media or they don't, but curfews they can simply switch off won't achieve anything." She added, "Giving 16-year-olds the vote while putting them under a social media curfew makes no sense."

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott called the ban 'another dog's dinner from Labour'

Arabella Skinner, director of the campaign group Health Professionals for Safer Screens, expressed disappointment that the measures are only default settings and can be easily overridden. The plans follow a government pilot program involving over 300 teenagers and parents.

Keir Starmer in June finally announced that a social media ban for young people would come into force next spring after months of pressure from campaigners

Labour leader Keir Starmer announced in June that a social media ban for young people was expected to be implemented by next spring. Ministers stated the newly announced measures aim to protect the next generation by preventing a sudden exposure to addictive online features upon turning 16. The party plans to present the social media restriction regulations before Parliament by the end of the year.