The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with the legislation expected to take effect by spring 2027

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the proposed law on Monday, describing it as a landmark move to protect young people online. The policy will restrict access to major platforms including X, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, aligning with a similar ban introduced in Australia last year.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be affected, as the government clarified that the policy targets user-to-user social platforms designed for public interaction and content sharing.

In a statement, the government said the measure would deliver “world-leading action” by reducing children’s exposure to harmful online content and encouraging healthier offline activities. “Children will be given back their childhoods, with less time for scrolling and more time for play,” the statement read.

The framework for the ban will follow Australia’s model, focusing on platforms that enable social interaction and rely on algorithm-driven content distribution.

Media regulator Ofcom has been tasked with developing and enforcing the detailed rules. The regulator noted that while progress has been made in online safety, including age verification systems and protections against grooming, further steps are needed to safeguard children.

Speaking on the policy, Starmer said parents are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by digital platforms. “The online world has made it harder than ever to keep children safe and happy. We are stepping in to protect children, support parents and set a new standard for future generations,” he said.

The government also announced additional measures targeting emerging technologies, including AI-powered “romantic companion” chatbots. These services will be restricted to users aged 18 and above, with tighter controls placed on similar features across AI platforms.

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the initiative as “a bold and significant step” toward ensuring a safer and healthier online environment for children.

Officials added that the policy goes beyond a simple ban, forming part of a broader strategy to address the ways children experience harm online and strengthen overall digital safety protections.

Chelsea reliable defender, Marc Cucurella may join Spanish giant, Real Madrid before the end of the current transfer window.if information from transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano are anything to go by.

Romano In a latest transfer update, said Real Madrid has reached verbal agreement to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.

“Verbal agreement in place between all parties, player too — he’s the left back wanted by Mourinho” the update read.

Carlo Ancelotti felt Brazil were “anxious” in their World Cup opener against Morocco, as he suggested the pressure got to his players.

Brazil were largely underwhelming at New York New Jersey Stadium, as they opened their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw.

World Cup 2022 semi-finalists Morocco made a fine start, which was capped off when Ismael Saibari charged through in the 21st minute and lofted a cute finish over Alisson.

With the unfit Neymar watching on from the bench, Vinicius Junior slammed home a brilliant equaliser 11 minutes later, but Brazil could not find a way through Morocco’s defence for a second time.

In fact, Brazil relied on a sharp double save from Alisson late on to preserve a point, and Ancelotti knows there is plenty of scope for improvement.

“I think it was a tough match, especially in the first half,” Ancelotti said, as reported by ESPN

“Maybe the team was a bit anxious, and the nerves were all over the place. The second half was better, but it was still tough, and I’m sure we’ll get better.

“I think that’s something we’ll have to look into.

“There’s a lot of pressure, so it’s natural. Little by little, we’ll improve in that sense.”

Brazil are, at least, unbeaten in their opening match in the last 21 World Cups dating back to 1938 (W17 D4).

It is the longest such streak in the history of the World Cup, more than twice as long as any other (Germany, Netherlands – nine straight).

“We have to reassess what we did,” Ancelotti added.

“In the first half, we were very unbalanced. We did a bit better in the second half. The result isn’t bad. You don’t win the World Cup in your first match.

“I’m not disappointed, but I’m not satisfied, either. We need to work, but that’s normal. Morocco played well. They’re a solid team, very well organised. It was a difficult game.

“For many different reasons, a debut in the World Cup might not end up as expected. The goal is to qualify, move on to the next round and improve over time.”

With uncertainty over how much Neymar will be able to contribute at this tournament, Brazil need Vinicius to step up, and the Real Madrid forward demonstrated his quality with a wonderful run and finish to restore parity.

It marked Vinicius’ 10th goal for Brazil, with three of those coming on American soil.

“We started on a really bad note,” Vinicius said. “For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better.”