UK Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban and Age Checks for Users

Britain announced plans to bar under-16s from major social media platforms, with full implementation expected the following spring. NBC News reported that all users would face age checks using options such as official ID, credit cards or face scans, while messaging services were excluded. Big Brother Watch warned that the checks would undermine online anonymity. Enforcing a children's age limit would also require adults to demonstrate eligibility to use the affected platforms.