Britain Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The proposed measures could also extend to gaming and livestreaming services.

Starmer said the goal is to strengthen child protection online. The proposal follows consultations with parents and a review of Australia’s experience after it introduced a similar ban last year.

Britain has already tightened regulation of technology companies in recent years, requiring age verification, changes to recommendation algorithms and measures to combat the sharing of intimate images among minors.

The government also considered alternative options, including limits on app usage, restrictions during certain hours and measures targeting addictive platform features.

More than 116,000 people participated in the public consultation. According to the results, 83% of parents said the risks of social media outweigh the benefits, while 90% supported setting the minimum age at 16.

Some experts, however, caution that there is still little evidence that a ban alone will achieve the desired results.

(reuters, bak)