UK to ban social media for kids under 16, may impose overnight curfews

The UK government plans to implement a ban on social media for children under 16 by spring 2027, alongside restrictions on livestreaming and stranger contact. The policy also targets AI 'romantic companion' chatbots by enforcing age verification.
Why it matters
This represents a major regulatory intervention in digital childhood and online safety, setting a potential global precedent.
Social media ban UK to ban social media for kids under 16, may impose overnight curfews Critics say bans push kids to riskier alternatives and can be beaten with VPNs.
The article focuses on government regulation and protectionist policies, which are often framed through a social-safety lens.
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