UK bans under-16s from major social-media platforms, adds teen curbs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on children under 16 from using major social-media platforms, according to AP News. Earlier, Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly died after encountering harmful content, condemned the government's plan as rushed, BBC reported. The day before the announcement, the BBC said Starmer was set to unveil the restrictions, which would also include curfews and limits on AI chatbots for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Later, NPR noted that the ban was justified on child-safety grounds and that enforcement was expected to begin early next year. CBS added that legislation to implement the measures was expected by late December, with penalties for non-compliant platforms and enforcement targeted for early 2027.