UK to ban social media for under-16s, impose curbs on gaming and livestreaming platforms

The UK government will implement a ban on social media access for children under 16 as part of a broader strategy to safeguard young users online. The policy, announced as part of a major push for digital safety, will also impose stricter regulations on gaming and livestreaming platforms to limit their appeal and accessibility to minors. The measures are designed to combat rising concerns over mental health risks, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Platforms will be required to adopt age-verification systems and restrict features like direct messaging and live-streaming, which have been linked to harmful interactions among children. The government has stated that the changes will be enforced through legislation, targeting companies that fail to comply with new safety standards. Industry experts suggest the rules could set a precedent for global online child protection policies. Critics argue the ban may be difficult to enforce without robust technical solutions, while supporters highlight its potential to reduce online risks for vulnerable age groups. The UK’s approach follows similar discussions in other countries about regulating digital spaces to prioritize youth welfare. The proposed laws will require platforms to implement stricter default privacy settings and provide parents with greater control over their children’s online activities. A full consultation process is expected before the legislation is finalized.