Police chiefs in the UK, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), are calling for restrictions on children’s use of certain social media platforms if technology companies do not introduce additional safety measures. In a statement reported by outlets, the groups argue that platforms should implement safeguards designed to reduce risks to minors. One specific demand is that WhatsApp should not be available to under-16s unless the service removes encrypted messaging functionality, or otherwise changes its approach to messaging security to enable safer oversight. The police bodies say they want firms to deliver a wider package of protective features for children, rather than relying solely on existing reporting tools. The proposal is framed as conditional: if companies do not make the requested changes, regulators and police leaders believe steps such as a ban or tightened age-based access rules may be needed. The issue centers on how encrypted communications can affect authorities’ ability to detect or respond to child exploitation and related online harms.