UK Mulls Social Media Ban for Under-16s

0:00It's February 26th. This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. If you use public Wi-Fi or care about your privacy online, NordVPN helps keep your connection, secure across all your devices, links in the episode description. Here's your UK news in two minutes. UK ministers are moving closer to a social media ban for anyone under 16. Next week, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall will launch a public consultation to weigh options like an age limit or softer measures such as limits on, endless scrolling. Insiders say the review stays neutral on the best path forward, but they expect Prime Minister Kierstarmher to endorse a full ban by summer. Officials argue even if not everyone follows it, the rule would push tech companies to better protect kids online. This comes after pressure from labor lawmakers and campaigners plus the opposition conservatives. Starmher and some ministers were once wary, fearing kids might dodge rules or lack skills later, but Australia's recent ban has changed minds with, promising early signs.

1:04Meanwhile, Instagram just rolled out alerts for parents of teens who repeatedly search terms linked to suicide or self-harm. Using parental controls, moms and dads in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada get notices by email, text, or app if it happens. Parents and families affected by online harms, welcome more action, but call for fixes to algorithms that still push dangerous content. The government plans to reveal next steps this summer after hearing from parents, teachers, kids, and pros. The government plans to reveal next steps this summer after hearing from parents, teachers, kids, and pros. The government plans to reveal next steps this summer after hearing from parents, teachers, teachers, kids, and pros. The government plans to reveal next steps this summer after hearing from parents, teachers,