Foreign

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16

By Web News 279

The United Kingdom is considering introducing a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of wider efforts to address concerns about excessive screen time and online safety.

As reported by Economic Times on Monday, the proposal, discussed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, forms part of ongoing consultations on how to regulate children’s access to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Starmer said the government is also reviewing measures including app curfews, time limits, and restrictions on algorithm-driven feeds, which he described as contributing to “addictive scrolling” behaviour among young users.

“We’re consulting on whether there should be a ban for under 16s. But equally important, the addictive scrolling mechanisms are really problematic and they need to go,” Starmer said.

The government says the aim is to better understand how social media use affects children’s sleep patterns, education, and family life, while also addressing growing concerns from parents about online habits.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the consultation on children’s online safety has already received tens of thousands of responses, with submissions still open for public input.

“We want to hear from parents, teenagers, and families about their experiences and views on curfews, AI chatbots, and addictive features,” Kendall said.

The debate comes as several countries move to tighten rules on children’s social media access. Australia has already implemented a ban for users under 16, while other nations such as Greece and Indonesia have introduced similar restrictions.

The UK government says no final decision has been made, but the consultation process will help shape future policy on how social media platforms operate for younger users and whether stricter age-based limits should be introduced.

Punch/Adetutu Adetule

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Foreign

Tulip Siddiq Resigns as UK Treasury Minister amid Bangladesh Corruption Probe

By Web News 385

UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has resigned following mounting pressure related to an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.

Siddiq had referred herself to the Prime Minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, after questions arose regarding her connections to her aunt, the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from office last year.

While Sir Laurie stated there was no evidence of impropriety, he noted it was “regrettable” that Siddiq had not been more mindful of the “potential reputational risks” posed by these familial ties.

In her resignation statement, Siddiq maintained her innocence, asserting that she had done nothing wrong but acknowledged that remaining in her role could distract from the government’s work.

Before her resignation, Siddiq was named in a second investigation in Bangladesh.

Reports have linked her family to allegations of embezzling up to £3.9 billion from infrastructure projects in the country; she has also faced scrutiny over her association with London properties tied to her aunt’s allies.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of the situation, accusing him of delaying action.

Writing on X, she said: “It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption minister’s position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend”.

“Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses ‘sadness’ at her inevitable resignation. Weak leadership from a weak prime minister.”

In his letter accepting Siddiq’s resignation, Starmer expressed his gratitude for her service and stated that “the door remains open” for her to return to government in the future.

Siddiq, who served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, was tasked with addressing corruption in UK financial markets during her tenure.

BBC/Maxwell Oyekunle