UK plans under-16 social media ban for 2027 (opens in new tab)

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while exempting messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. Starmer said the measure aims to protect children from harmful content, excessive screen time and platform designs he described as addictive. The government plans to bring the legislation to Parliament before Christmas and enforce the ban in spring 2027, using...