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.
The European Commission is considering EU-wide age restrictions for social media, with plans potentially unveiled in September. A new report aims to provide an evidence base for such measures, despite some experts and national governments favoring more nuanced approaches over blanket bans.
UK Isa reforms, including the replacement of the Lifetime Isa (Lisa) with a First-Time Buyer (FTB) Isa by 2028, aim to simplify savings but may increase complexity and reduce value for young homebuyers. The new FTB Isa will have no upper age limit but will pay the government bonus only upon property purchase, losing potential compounded interest.
Australia increases maximum penalty for social media companies violating its under-16 age ban from AUD 49.5M to AUD 99M, grants more enforcement powers to eSafety Commissioner.
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.
Snapchat's parent company, Snap, faces a Missouri lawsuit alleging platform features enabled an adult to groom and sexually assault a 12-year-old girl. The suit claims age verification bypass, a recommendation system, and Snap Maps contributed to the incident, for which the attacker is already imprisoned.
The UK government has committed to imposing age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16, following a standoff with the House of Lords over the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Education Minister Olivia Bailey confirmed the legal commitment while MPs backed the motion 272-64. The bill returns to the Lords for final consideration before royal assent, with regulations expected within 12 months and potentially before year-end.
The UK government has committed to imposing age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16, following a House of Lords vote of 316 to 165 in favour of an outright ban. Education minister Olivia Bailey told MPs the government will introduce regulations requiring the secretary of state to act after a consultation concludes, rather than may act. The Lords had supported the ban for the fourth time, with MPs previously overturning it three times. The UK would follow Australia's lead, while France and Spain consider similar measures.
Iran's internet blackout and restrictions on satellite imagery by commercial providers are making it harder for investigators and journalists to verify events during the ongoing conflict, echoing a broader global trend of governments controlling war narratives.
