Social media firms hit back as Starmer announces ban for under-16s in UK

<p>Meta, YouTube and Snapchat say ban, which would stop children using their platforms, will drive them to ‘less safe services’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/15/uk-under-16s-social-media-ban-how-will-it-work">How will the ban work?</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/10/parents-uk-how-feel-about-potential-under-16s-social-media-ban">UK parents: how do you feel about the ban?</a></p></li></ul><p>Britain’s plans to ban social media for under-16s will push teenagers towards more harmful platforms, the world’s biggest technology companies have said as ministers push to enact the new restrictions by next spring.</p><p>Meta, YouTube and Snapchat have all criticised the ban, which was announced by Keir Starmer on Monday and would stop younger teenagers from using their services.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jun/15/social-media-ban-uk-under-16-starmer">Continue reading...</a>