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Under-16 social-media ban, AI chatbots feature in UK child safety consultation

By Patricia Figueiredo and Frank Hersey ( March 2, 2026, 14:24 GMT | Insight) -- Online platforms, gaming companies and AI chatbot providers could face age-based restrictions on features, app-level curfews or a possible under-16 ban under a UK consultation published on Monday. It details a wider range of options than suggested in an outline in January and explores limits on specific functions such as autoplay and push notifications, expanded age assurance and limits to VPN use. It follows a recent flurry of plans to bolster online safety.A promised UK consultation has now begun on restricting children’s access to social media and AI chatbots — including the possibility of a ban for under-16s....

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