The UK government has announced a ban on social media access for under-16s as part of a broader online safety drive. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the changes as a 'line in the sand' for tech companies that have failed to protect children.
The ban, part of an 'Australia plus' plan, will require social media platforms to prevent under-16s from accessing their services. The government is yet to specify which apps will be blocked, but the move is expected to cover major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Enforcement mechanisms are still being developed, but potential measures include age verification checks and penalties for non-compliant companies. The government aims to create a safer online environment for children, addressing concerns over exposure to harmful content.
Critics have raised questions about the feasibility of the ban, including privacy implications of age verification and the risk of driving children to unregulated platforms. The government acknowledges these challenges but insists the measures are necessary to protect young users.
