UK Government Announces Ban on Social Media for Under‑16s, Including YouTube and Possibly Twitch

The UK government announced a ban on social media for users under 16. The restriction explicitly includes video‑sharing services like YouTube. Authorities indicate Twitch could also fall under the rule. The move aims to shield minors from harmful online content. Officials cite mental‑health research as a key driver. Age‑verification systems will be required to enforce compliance. Some critics warn the ban may curb legitimate teenage expression. The policy will be reviewed after an initial rollout period.