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UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s

UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a sweeping ban on social media for users under 16, targeting platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

The policy, set to take effect in early 2027, is designed to protect children's mental health and well-being.

However, it faces sharp criticism from tech giants, free speech advocates, and some online safety experts who warn it could push teenagers toward the unregulated dark web.

A teenager and a digital strategist have also voiced concerns, with one noting that the political figures who perform best on social media are also the most polarising.

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Keir Starmer
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2024
United Kingdom
Island country in north-west Europe
TikTok
Video-focused social media platform
Snap Inc.
American multinational technology company
YouTube
American video-sharing platform owned by Alphabet Inc.