UK social media ban for under-16s edges closer with Starmer expected to back it

A senior government figure said: ‘A ban is the clearest signal to the industry that we want them to do more to protect young people online.’ Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Ministers will take another step towards banning social media for under-16s next week as they launch a consultation on the policy, with government insiders increasingly certain Keir Starmer will back the idea.

Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, will publish the terms of reference for the consultation, which is expected to explore options including an age limit and less hardline action such as curbs on infinite scrolling.