'UK is a police state': Elon Musk is now angry at Britain but why?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed banning under-16s from major social media platforms in the UK. Elon Musk says the plan could expand identity checks and government surveillance.

In Short

• UK plans to ban social media use for children under 16
• Elon Musk calls the proposal a threat to freedom and privacy
• The debate highlights growing tensions over online safety and government control

What starts as an attempt to protect children online is quickly turning into a battle over free speech, privacy and government power. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, putting the United Kingdom on course to join a growing list of countries imposing restrictions on young users online.

The proposed rules are sweeping.

Starmer said the changes would reflect Britain's values, help protect children online and push back against the power of big technology companies. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said he hopes to pass the legislation by late December so that the ban can come into force in the spring next year.

But even before the details of the law are finalised, one of the world's most influential tech billionaires has already declared war on the idea.

Musk calls UK a 'police state'

Elon Musk has used his social media platform X to repeatedly attack the UK government's proposal, arguing that the measures could go far beyond protecting children. Soon after the announcement, Musk reacted to a post claiming that adults would still be able to use social media, but only after verifying their identities through digital IDs, facial recognition, passports or credit cards.

"UK is a police state," Musk wrote in response.

That did little to calm his criticism.

Soon afterwards, Musk replied to another post by an X user that argued the policy was not really a ban for under-16s.

"It’s important to know that the social media ban for under 16s is not a ban for under 16s," the user wrote. "It is a ban on selected social media for EVERYONE. Until you identify yourself."

Musk amplified the criticism further, writing: "This censorship law is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The real goal is to enable the UK government to track everyone."

'This is nuts'

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also reacted to a news article published in August 2025 that claimed Britain's crackdown on free speech had led to as many as 30 people being arrested every day for minor offences such as reposts and cartoons.

Responding to a post carrying a screenshot of the article, Musk wrote: "This is nuts."

In another exchange, an X user argued that social media age restrictions in different countries are often introduced in the name of protecting children but end up giving governments more control.

"Won’t someone think of the children" is usually not about the children, the user wrote.

Musk responded: "They always use defensible excuses for the indefensible."

What exactly is the UK proposing?

The British government has not yet released the full details of the legislation, but it has confirmed that major social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook and X will be covered by the ban. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, however, will not be included.

The government has also said it is considering additional restrictions for young users, including overnight curfews and mandatory breaks from infinite scrolling. More details are expected in July.

Starmer said the proposed ban was influenced by Australia's experience. In December, Australia became the first country in the world to ban people under the age of 16 from using social media.

A bigger fight over the internet

The clash between Starmer and Musk reflects a larger debate unfolding across the world. Governments argue that children need stronger protection from addictive algorithms, harmful content and the mental health risks associated with social media.

Critics, however, fear that age restrictions could open the door to mandatory identity checks, greater surveillance and tighter government control over what people can see and say online.

- Ends