UK Becomes World's Strictest on Teen Social Media Access

The UK's social media ban for under-16s marks a watershed moment in how governments regulate tech platforms for child protection, with implications for the entire industry. The policy's breadth—from TikTok and Instagram to AI chatbots—represents the most aggressive stance globally, signaling that governments increasingly view engagement algorithms as public health threats rather than mere features. This shift could fundamentally reshape how social media platforms operate, particularly their youth engagement strategies.