Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, has explained why restricting teenagers under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms could be harmful.
Reports indicate that the UK government is considering measures that would block children under 16 from using major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X.
The proposal is part of broader efforts to improve online safety and would also introduce stricter age-verification systems requiring users to confirm their age through methods such as ID checks, facial recognition, or bank card verification.
However, the plan has attracted criticism from Durov, who insists that such restrictions cannot replace parental responsibility.
Reacting in a series of posts on X, he questioned the effectiveness of the proposed measures.
“Banning social media for teenagers only puts them in greater danger. Teens are forced to switch to VPNs and unlock far worse illegal content.
“We’ve seen this before. When the Russian government banned Telegram, 95% of Russian teenagers kept using it. They just moved to VPNs.
“No law can replace good parenting.
“Parents already have the tools to limit kids’ digital consumption: parental controls, screen-time limits – or no smartphone at all.
“Instead, many parents give toddlers iPads just to keep them quiet.
“No amount of regulation will fix that.”
Durov also expressed concern over the proposed identity checks for users.
“All social media users in the UK will have to ‘prove’ they’re over 16 with an ID, face scan or bank card.
“Thousands in the UK are already arrested for political posts every year. Is this really about protecting children – or identifying more people to arrest?” He remarked.