UK plans social media ban for under-16s and teen curfews

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to confirm a broad set of online safety restrictions for young people in Britain, including a ban on major social media platforms for users under 16. The package is also expected to include curfews for older teenagers and tighter rules for chatbots and online games. The move comes before Starmer leaves for the G-7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, and after a public consultation on youth online protections closed less than three weeks ago. Supporters say the measures respond to public concern over harmful online content, while critics including the Liberal Democrats argue the government is pushing through an unfinished policy too quickly. The proposal also lands amid political pressure on Starmer ahead of a June 18 by-election.