UK PM Starmer announces ban on social media for under-16s
According to France 24, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a package banning under-16s from holding social-media accounts, following recommendations from a national mental-health task force. The rules will require platforms to enforce age verification.
According to France 24, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a sweeping package banning under-16s from holding social-media accounts, following a national task force report on the mental-health impact of social media on young people. The framework requires platforms to enforce age verification.
The rules will require major platforms operating in the UK to set up age-verification infrastructure and to face financial penalties for non-compliance. The government said the package was inspired by a similar Australian framework but includes broader safeguards on data protection and privacy.
Platforms responded cautiously. Industry representatives called for further consultation on implementation details, while child-protection groups welcomed the move. The parliamentary timeline and the detail of secondary legislation will become clearer in the coming weeks.
Read next
Iran deal presents a political nightmare for Netanyahu, BBC analysis says
According to BBC analysis, the framework agreement between the United States and Iran has put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a difficult position both inside his coalition and with the public. Right-wing partners are opposing the steps while the opposition is renewing calls for an early election.
Australian drug overdose deaths hit record high, family stories emerge
China detains two leaders of an influential underground church
MSF staff abused Sudanese refugees in sex-for-food scandal, BBC investigation finds
Russian attacks across Ukraine kill several, set renowned Kyiv monastery ablaze
