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Are other countries following the UK’s lead on social media bans?
Yes, several countries are considering or implementing similar restrictions. Australia already banned social media use for under-16s in December 2025, and nations like Spain, France, Germany, and Turkey are exploring measures such as content filtering and age-specific bans. These efforts are driven by rising concerns over online harms to minors and the need for stronger protections.
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What are the global trends in regulating online harms?
Across the world, governments are increasingly focusing on protecting minors from harmful online content. Many are updating existing laws or creating new regulations to address addictive features like infinite scrolling, AI-generated content, and illegal material. The UK’s plans to close legal loopholes around AI chatbots and restrict VPN use reflect a broader trend toward tighter online safety measures.
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How might AI and VPN restrictions evolve in the future?
As AI chatbots become more sophisticated, governments are looking to regulate or restrict their use to prevent illegal or harmful content. Similarly, VPN restrictions are likely to increase to prevent minors from bypassing bans and accessing restricted content. These measures aim to balance online safety with the need for legitimate access, but they also raise questions about online freedom and privacy.
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What does this mean for online privacy and safety?
Stricter regulations could improve online safety for children and vulnerable users by limiting access to harmful content and addictive features. However, they may also impact online privacy, especially if restrictions on VPNs and AI chatbots lead to increased surveillance or data collection. Finding the right balance between safety and privacy will be a key challenge for policymakers.
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Will social media bans for minors become the norm worldwide?
It’s possible that more countries will adopt social media bans or restrictions for minors, similar to Australia and the UK. These measures aim to reduce online harms and promote healthier digital habits among young people. However, the effectiveness and enforcement of such bans will vary depending on local laws and technological capabilities.
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How are social media companies responding to these new regulations?
Many social media platforms are working to comply with new laws by implementing age verification, content filtering, and limiting addictive features. Some are also investing in tools to better detect harmful content and protect young users. The evolving regulatory landscape will likely push companies to innovate further in online safety and privacy features.