‘Tech firms are losing the public’: social media age bans near tipping point

The UK and other nations are moving toward implementing age restrictions for social media access to protect children from online harm. Tech companies are facing increasing global pressure and legislative scrutiny regarding their addictive design practices and safety failures.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in global digital policy, moving from self-regulation to government-mandated age verification for major tech platforms.
The UK plans to have a social media ban in place by spring 2027. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty The UK plans to have a social media ban in place by spring 2027. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty Social media bans Analysis ‘Tech firms are losing the public’: social media age bans near tipping point Dan Milmo Global technology editor UK is latest country to set minimum age for social media access but big tech is fighting back globally against curbs
The article reports on a legislative trend and includes perspectives from both critics of big tech and the companies themselves.
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