The UK’s social media ban for under-16s has just empowered big tech | Taylor Lorenz
Source:
guardianTech
June 19, 2026 · 06:27
Age verification means that the sector’s biggest players will now have access to information that will only make them richer and more powerfulThis week, the UK announced a wide-ranging ban on social media that will soon block users from communicating or accessing information on apps such as X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat unless they prove that they’re over the age of 16.The prime minister, Keir Starmer, called the policy “a line in the sand”. “Tech giants had their chance and failed,” he said, “but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations.” All internet users, especially children, should be protected from exploitative systems online, but this new law will only foster more harm and help the largest and most powerfu…
The original article opens on the publisher's website.
More from Mobile
View topic →Android stuck in Safe Mode? Here's how to turn it off
engadget
Sep 1, 2026 · 16:00
How to change the background on iPhone Messages
engadget
Sep 1, 2026 · 15:30
Google’s Android update tackles motion sickness, accessibility, and more
techcrunch
Sep 1, 2026 · 13:53
US defends Venezuela deal as Chevron prepares to expand operations
financialTimes
Sep 1, 2026 · 13:48
John Ternus hypes ‘huge launch next week’ in first memo as Apple CEO
techcrunch
Sep 1, 2026 · 12:45