The UK government has announced a sweeping ban on social media for children under 16, following Australia's lead in restricting minors' access to platforms. According to The Verge, the ban is expected to take effect in early 2027 and will be accompanied by broader restrictions—including preventing children from communicating with strangers in online games and livestreams. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the plan as part of a wider effort to protect young people from online harms. The specifics of how such a ban would be enforced remain unclear, but the announcement signals intensifying global pressure on tech platforms to limit youth access to social media.

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