UK Government Says It Will Proceed with Teen Social Media Restrictions Despite US Opposition
The UK government says it will continue pursuing social media restrictions for under-16s despite Trump administration warnings against such policies.

The UK government has stated it will proceed with proposed restrictions on social media platforms for users under 16, despite opposition from the Trump administration.
The US Embassy in London issued a warning against implementing such restrictions, advocating instead for parental management of children's privacy settings and encouraging "study modes" and time limits. The embassy cited the "benefits" of access to the open internet as a reason to avoid formal bans.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told The Guardian she was not concerned "in the slightest" by the Trump administration's intervention in the debate over the proposed restrictions. The statement signals the UK government's intention to continue pursuing the policy despite diplomatic pressure from Washington.
The proposed measures would primarily affect American technology companies that operate major social media platforms. The restrictions are part of broader UK efforts to regulate technology platforms and their impact on young users.
The disagreement highlights differing approaches between the two countries on internet regulation and child safety online. While the US embassy advocates for parental controls and platform features as alternatives to age restrictions, the UK appears committed to more direct regulatory intervention.
The UK's position represents a continuation of its recent trend toward increased regulation of technology companies, following previous legislative efforts targeting online safety and platform accountability.