UK ministers lobby Trump to avert backlash against social media ban

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban under-16s from using a range of social media apps, aiming to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. This move, expected to take effect early next year, places the UK within a global trend of tightening online safety for minors, with countries like Australia, Canada, and Brazil already implementing similar restrictions. The proposed ban is reportedly more prohibitive than Australia's and will include popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X. The decision follows extensive public consultation, with a majority of respondents supporting an under-16 age limit. The U.S. Embassy in London has expressed concerns that such regulations could infringe on free speech and burden American technology companies.

The UK government is preparing to announce significant restrictions on under-16s accessing harmful social media apps, a move framed as supporting parents against tech companies. This initiative follows a rushed consultation period, with the exact implementation date unclear. The proposed ban, inspired by Australia's "Australia-plus" model, aims to prevent under-16s from using major social media platforms, though details on age verification methods remain to be finalized. For platforms not banned, features like chats with adult strangers and livestreaming will be restricted for under-16s, and 16- and 17-year-olds may face time limits. Under-18s will also be blocked from romantic or sexual AI chatbots. While parents largely support the ban, some child safety advocates express concerns about its enforceability and effectiveness.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media sites for individuals under 16 years old. This sweeping measure aims to protect children from dangerous and addictive content, reflecting British values and pushing back against the power of large technology companies. The proposed ban will extend to gaming and livestreaming services that permit children to interact with strangers. Starmer stated his hope to pass the regulation by late December, with the ban potentially coming into effect in the spring of next year. The government is also considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for those under 18, with further details to be announced in July.

UK ministers are lobbying the Trump administration to prevent backlash over a new ban restricting social media access for under-16s. The government aims to reassure US officials that the ban, which includes platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube, is not targeting US tech companies but is intended to protect children's well-being. This move makes the UK the second country, after Australia, to implement such sweeping limits on children's internet use. While the government emphasizes child protection, concerns exist about potential retaliation from President Trump, who has previously threatened tariffs. The ban will also include restrictions on live-streaming, unsolicited contact on gaming sites, and "romantic" chatbots, with further regulations planned.