The UK government has said it will not be deterred from tightening rules on tech platforms despite reported displeasure from the White House over a proposed ban on social media use for under-16s.

The technology secretary, Liz Kendall said she was “not concerned in the slightest” about intervention from the Trump administration in the debate, following a warning posted by the US embassy in London opposing such a ban, according to The Guardian.

Kendall said a government survey showed that nine in ten respondents supported restricting social media access for under-16s.

She added that she was open to considering any submissions on the issue but stressed that her focus remained on “British young people.”

Kendall also rejected claims of tension between attracting investment from US AI companies and introducing regulations affecting major American tech firms, including those linked to the administration of Donald Trump.

“I think companies will continue investing in Britain,” she said.

“My focus is on what is right for British parents and British families,” Kendall added.

The government is expected to announce next week a form of social media ban for under-16s, alongside additional online safety measures.

The planned restrictions are also expected to include limits on users contacting strangers on gaming platforms, while potential controls on the use of AI chatbots by minors are also being considered.

In a submission to a UK government consultation on online safety, the US government opposed what it described as “prescribed one-size-fits-all government restrictions” and “blunt regulatory instruments” aimed at tackling online harms affecting children.

A notice published by the US embassy in London argued that age-gating systems for 13- to 16-year-olds would not be effective, stating that “technical methods developed to distinguish minors from adults cannot simply be repurposed for younger thresholds.”

Instead, the Trump administration urged the UK to focus on giving parents “robust tools” to manage privacy settings and account controls, and to require platforms to provide a healthier online environment “rather than outright bans.”

The UK’s approach to online safety has reportedly created friction between the White House and Downing Street, with the Online Safety Act drawing criticism from the US over concerns related to free speech.