UK eyes rapid ban on under social media for under 16s, curbs to AI chatbots

Britain ​could bring in an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16 as early as this year and close a loophole that left some AI chatbots outside safety rules, as part of government efforts to respond more quickly to digital risks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government last month launched ‌a consultation on a ⁠social media ⁠ban for children under 16 and is now working to change legislation so it could bring in any changes within months of the consultation concluding.