US courts hold Meta and Google liable for addictive platform design
US courts hold Meta and Google liable for deliberately designing addictive features targeting children.
Event / Technology
UK Child Social Media Ban
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for children under 16, with implementation planned for spring 2027. The ban covers major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and X, while exempting messaging services. The policy also restricts livestreaming, stranger communication on gaming platforms, and sets age restrictions of 18 for romantic AI chatbots.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 16 Jun, 01:03 UTC
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What happened
Australia enacted first-ever social media ban for under-16s in December 2025
Australia became the first country in the world to implement a complete ban on social media for children under 16, which came into effect in December 2025. The UK government stated it will use a similar model to Australia's ban and will borrow from Australia's experience with age assurance technology.
UK Prime Minister announces ban on social media for children under 16
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15 that the UK government will ban social media platforms for children under 16 years of age. The ban will apply to platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and X. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will not be included. Starmer stated the ban is necessary to protect children's mental health and safety from addictive design features and harmful content.
California court finds Meta and Google liable for addictive platform design targeting children
In March 2026, a California court found that Instagram owner Meta and YouTube owner Google were both liable in a case alleging the companies designed their platforms to be addictive to children.
UK government to implement social media ban by spring 2027
The UK government plans to introduce legislation to Parliament before Christmas 2026, with the social media ban expected to come into force by spring 2027. The implementation timeline follows a consultation process involving over 116,000 responses from parents, industry, and young people.
UK government implements age restriction of 18 for AI romantic companion chatbots
The UK government announced that artificial intelligence chatbots designed to simulate romantic relationships or sexual roleplay will be required to enforce a minimum age restriction of 18 years.
UK expands restrictions beyond social media ban to include livestreaming and gaming sites
Beyond the social media ban for under-16s, the UK government announced additional restrictions on harmful functions including livestreaming and stranger communication for children under 16 across online services and gaming sites. The government is also considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling features for under-18s, with details to be announced in July.
Public consultation shows 90% of UK parents support minimum age of 16 for social media
The UK government conducted a consultation with over 116,000 responses from parents, industry, and young people. Results showed that 90% of parents who responded supported a minimum age of 16 for social media access, and 83% of parents said risks from social media outweighed the benefits.
New Mexico jury finds Meta liable for child safety and deception on multiple platforms
A jury in New Mexico found that Meta misled users about the safety of its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms and allowed child sexual exploitation on those platforms. The verdict came in the same week as the California court ruling in March 2026.
Multiple countries developing social media bans for minors
Beyond Australia and the UK, other countries including Spain, Portugal, France, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Malaysia, and Indonesia are either implementing or developing social media bans or restrictions for minors.
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2 alternative perspectives
Social media bans for minors spread globally as nations tighten youth protections
Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparked worldwide legislative momentum for youth digital restrictions.
UK announces social media ban for under-16s, expanding to gaming and AI
UK bans social media for under-16s by spring 2027, extending restrictions to gaming and livestreaming.