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WhatsApp: Children

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 9 July 2026UIN 14752

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she will make an assessment of the potential merits of the inclusion of WhatsApp in any social media ban for under 16s.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The government does not intend for messaging services to be included in social media companies being banned from offering services to under 16s. This is to support children staying in touch with family, friends and communities. Final details of restrictions will be set out in regulations.

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