Yesterday, the British House of Lords brought the looming end of online anonymity one step closer when they voted to support an amendment to the pending Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media.

It’s been said more times than anyone can count, but any “social media ban” based on age would – in reality – be an excuse to require all users to verify their identity and thereby end online anonymity, and eventually usher in government backed digital ID apps.

Read More – Lords vote brings UK “Social Media Ban” one step closer

A bit of a lone voice against cross-party fervour of Lords baying to ban social media for the under 16s. It really won't keep kids safe and could create a range of unintended consequences. But also it makes ADULT age-gating ID checks compulsory, for all user to user services.… pic.twitter.com/PSKPyu6qAl

— Claire Fox (@Fox_Claire) January 22, 2026