The government’s newly introduced social media ban for children under 16 is rumoured to represent an ‘existential’ threat to small tech companies that might be caught up in the ban, a policy intended to target major social media platforms.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a blanket ban on under-16s accessing user-to-user platforms such as TikTok and Instagram – however, ministers are looking to ban certain features such as livestreaming and stranger communication across a wider range of online services.  

“Small businesses are now raising concerns about whether their apps will be implicated in the ban”

Small businesses are now raising concerns about whether their apps will be implicated in the ban, which the government is due to publish further details of later this month.  

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: “We will be laying the first set of regulations this year giving businesses the certainty they need to prepare. We plan to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia. Their model included platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and X.” 

Josh Robson, Skillora  

Skillora Sports is an emerging platform founded by Josh Robson that focuses on reducing youth sports drop-out rates and improving the wellbeing of children and teenagers. The company partners directly with community sports organisations. 

Robson said: “I wouldn’t class ourselves as a social media company, but there are absolutely some features and functionalities within our app that potentially put us in a difficult position. 

“Due to the uncertainty at the moment, we’re wondering if we actually have a future. I know that sounds a bit dark and grim, but that is the reality.” 

Hugh Shepherd, Liaura  

Liaura is a free, ad-free digital learning and communication platform designed for children aged 7-11. It operates as a parent-controlled social space with built-in safety technology that automatically checks and moderates messages to ensure a secure environment. Children can complete weekly short videos and earn ‘aura points’ for sending thoughtful messages and making good choices. 

“It could be existential”

Shepherd said:  

“The government tends to bundle in the misuse of a technology feature with the feature itself, 

“Depending on the severity, it could be existential. Things like push notifications, for example … if we were restricted from using them altogether, I think that could be deadly, actually. When you’re building a technology platform, particularly when you’re trying to get off the ground, habit formation is an essential part of it.” 

Nick Poole, UK Interactive Entertainment 

There has also been anxiety from the video game industry regarding the implication of the ban. Industry leaders are concerned about the extra cost for developers to redesign games and implement age assurance technology to comply with the incoming laws. 

Poole said: “There was a level of urgency around the framing, which meant I’m not sure that the full implications for UK businesses were taken into account. A lot of the actual thinking on implementation is happening after the announcement rather than before.” 

Online retailers 

Internet stores that rely on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for acquisition will feel the brunt of the ban. This includes big businesses such as Cider and Shein, but also small retailers that utilise TikTok Shop to sell their products. As it stands, 28% of small businesses cite social media as their primary driver of sales.