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

The UK government has advanced plans to bar users under 16 from social media platforms, with age checks applying to services including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The policy is set to take effect in spring 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the measure “a line in the sand” and said, “Tech giants had their chance and failed,” while Der Standard quoted him as saying the platforms “make our children unhappy”. The policy would require stronger age checks. The Guard...