Guardian UK Politics
Starmer says he hopes social media ban for under-16s will come into force next spring – UK politics live
The UK government is set to ban children under 16 from social media platforms as early as next spring, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer citing the harmful effects on young people's safety and wellbeing. Starmer acknowledged the policy won't be airtight, with some teenagers likely finding workarounds, but argued imperfect enforcement does not undermine the case for the rules. The move signals one of the most significant government interventions into social media access in the UK to date.
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Technology secretary says she wants regulator to design plans for online age verification by October – UK politics live
The UK government is pushing Ofcom to develop online age verification plans by October, with annual parliamentary reports on how effectively platforms exclude under-16s. Ministers are framing the move as a meaningful deterrent rather than a perfect solution, with Starmer openly acknowledging teens will find workarounds. The pressure signals a hardening stance toward tech companies resisting tighter regulation of young users.
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Keir Starmer set to announce under-16s social media ban – UK politics live
Keir Starmer is set to announce a sweeping ban on social media use for under-16s in the UK, targeting platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The proposal, described as an "Australia plus" model, signals Britain's intent to go further than Canberra's existing age restrictions. The move marks one of the most significant government interventions into children's digital lives seen in a Western democracy.
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Starmer set to ban under-16s from major social media platforms
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to announce a ban on children under 16 accessing major social media platforms, framing the move as a decisive step to protect young people online. The policy signals a significant hardening of the UK government's stance on tech regulation, following similar legislation passed in Australia late last year. If implemented, it would represent one of the most sweeping restrictions on children's social media use seen in a Western democracy.
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If the UK wants to rejoin the European Union, it first needs to understand it | Timothy Garton Ash
Britain's debate about rejoining the EU remains stubbornly Britain-centric, overlooking a fundamental reality: it is the EU that holds most of the cards. Any path back to membership would demand years of painstaking democratic persuasion across 27 member states, not just a domestic political shift. As the tenth anniversary of the Brexit vote approaches, the UK risks repeating the same parochial mistake that shaped its tortured relationship with Europe in the first place.
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