UK to ban social media access for children under 16

The UK government is planning to ban social media access for individuals under 16, mirroring a similar measure implemented in Australia. This initiative aims to protect children online by restricting access to user-to-user platforms like TikTok and Facebook, alongside limiting harmful functionalities such as livestreaming and stranger communication. The move follows unsuccessful attempts by tech companies to reform their practices and is part of a growing global trend of countries taking action to safeguard children from online harms, though it faces criticism from some civil liberties organizations.