Many countries are proposing or implementing social media bans for children and teens, following Australia's lead. Governments cite cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues as reasons, while critics raise concerns about privacy and effectiveness. France, the UK, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and others are advancing legislation.
France has approved a ban on social media for children under 15, effective September 1, requiring platforms to implement age verification and close existing accounts. The UK is also advancing plans for a ban for under-16s and a default overnight curfew for 16-17 year olds, highlighting global concerns over minors' online safety.
France's parliament has approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, becoming the first EU country to implement such a restriction. Championed by President Macron, the ban will be phased in, starting September 1 for new accounts and January 2027 for existing ones, despite some criticism.
France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first European country to implement such a restriction. President Emmanuel Macron championed the reform, which passed the National Assembly 279-81 and awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Council before its planned enforcement by September.
French lawmakers passed a law banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first EU country to do so. New accounts are banned from Sept 1, 2024, and existing ones by Jan 2027. The move follows health warnings and President Macron's push, with the EU also considering similar measures.
France's parliament approved a bill banning social media for under-15s, making it the first European country to do so. President Macron championed the ban, set to start in September for new accounts and January 2027 for existing ones, despite some criticism.
Former Meta whistleblower Arturo Béjar highlights parental dread over children's online safety, as the UK sets a minimum age of 16 for major social media platforms, following Australia's precedent. Governments worldwide, except the US, are increasingly implementing age restrictions amidst growing distrust of social media platforms' safety measures.
The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution making 15 the minimum age for social media use, becoming the first Arab nation to implement such a rule. The measures aim to enhance online safety for younger users.
The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution making 15 the minimum age for social media use, becoming the first Arab nation to implement such a rule. Children under 15 will face account creation bans and feature restrictions, with companies given 12 months to comply.
Florida is suing TikTok, accusing the company of violating a state law that restricts social media use for minors. The lawsuit claims TikTok exposes children to harmful content and addictive features, and deceives parents about the risks.
Keir Starmer announced plans for the UK to ban social media access for users under 16, citing concerns over child unhappiness, bullying, and mental health impacts. The ban aims to go further than Australia's pioneering restrictions.
The Pentagon has redesignated its press office as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, further restricting media access. This move prevents journalists from entering the area, which is now occupied by speechwriters handling sensitive information, amid ongoing tensions with the media.
US staff reportedly discarded materials from Chinese officials upon President Donald Trump's departure from Beijing, following a two-day visit marked by public displays of cordiality but behind-the-scenes tensions over security and media access.
US staff reportedly discarded materials from Chinese officials before President Trump's departure from Beijing. Tensions arose over security and media access during the visit, including a dispute at the Temple of Heaven and restrictions on the press pool.
Coverage of the Trump administration dominated the Pulitzer Prizes announced on Monday as the prize committee unleashed a searing attack on US President Donald Trump’s attempts to limit freedom of reporting. “We stand for civil discourse and against censorship,” said Pulitzer Administrator Marjorie Miller ahead of the announcements, which honoured coverage of Trump’s immigration crackdown and his enrichment of his allies. “Unfortunately, this bears repeating now, as media access to the White...
Turkish lawmakers passed legislation restricting social media access for children under 15, requiring platforms to install age-verification systems and provide parental control tools. The bill, which President Erdogan must sign within 15 days, comes one week after a 14-year-old boy killed nine students and a teacher in a southern Turkey school shooting. Police are investigating the perpetrator's online activity.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that Hungary's 2021 law banning LGBTQ+ content for minors violates fundamental EU rights. The decision marks a significant legal defeat for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration.
