UK Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Drawing Skepticism Over Enforcement

The UK government is moving toward legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms and potentially impose overnight usage curfews. Critics argue the restrictions could drive young users toward less-regulated alternatives and are easily circumvented using VPN technology, raising questions about the policy's practical effectiveness.

Why it matters: As regulatory bodies worldwide grapple with youth online safety, this high-profile policy test will inform whether age-based bans are viable tools or symbolic measures, impacting how tech companies and governments approach youth protection globally.