Starmer changes his mind on under-16 social media ban

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Keir Starmer is expected to announce a social media ban for under-16s, after a lengthy consultation about how to keep children safe online. This represents something of a U-turn. Last year the prime minister told The Observer that he was against an Australia-style blanket ban and instead favoured “checks and balances” that shielded young people from harmful content. Now teenagers are expected to be kicked off major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. There will also be restrictions to prevent under-18s from using sexualised chatbots. Social media bans are popular with voters, which may be why the prime minister has changed course. But evidence from Australia shows they are also imperfect: roughly 70% Australian children still have access to their accounts, according to the country’s eSafety Commission.

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