Privacy UK government to ban social media for under-16s June 16, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) As reported by Bleeping Computer, the UK government announced plans to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16, with regulations expected before Christmas and implementation in spring 2027. This move aims to protect children by restricting their access to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X. To enforce the ban, social media platforms will be required to implement age verification for new users, likely through ID uploads or facial age scans. While existing accounts are largely exempt, new sign-ups will necessitate proving the user is over 16, effectively ending anonymous account creation in the UK. The ban is modeled after Australia's system, but the UK plans to extend restrictions on high-risk features like livestreaming and stranger contact to a wider range of services, including gaming platforms. AI chatbots simulating romantic or sexual relationships will also face an 18+ minimum age requirement. Security and privacy experts have raised concerns that these age verification methods are easily circumvented, potentially putting users' personal and biometric data at risk of breaches. They also argue the regulations were implemented with insufficient political scrutiny and may not address the root causes of online harms, such as engagement-driven business models. Source: Bleeping Computer SC Staff Related Privacy Leading job sites sell user data, Incogni report reveals SC Staff June 15, 2026 A report by Incogni found that ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, and Monster are among the top platforms for collecting and sharing personal information. Privacy U.S. seizes domains used to publish nonconsensual AI-generated nude images SC Staff June 12, 2026 The domains specialized in creating explicit content, often targeting famous women, including politicians, royalty, and entertainers. Privacy Massachusetts lawmakers pass consumer data privacy bill SC Staff June 8, 2026 The Massachusetts House unanimously passed the Consumer Data Privacy Act, a bill that will give residents rights to access and delete their data held by large tech firms. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe Related Terms Authenticity Basic Authentication Biometrics Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) Digest Authentication Digital Certificate Discretionary Access Control (DAC) Geolocation Identity Theft Inference Attack You can skip this ad in 5 seconds