Social media firms hit back as Starmer announces ban for under-16s in UK; The Guardian, June 15, 2026

Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker , The Guardian; Social media firms hit back as Starmer announces ban for under-16s in UK

"Britain’s plans to ban social media for under-16s will push teenagers towards more harmful platforms, the world’s biggest technology companies have said as ministers push to enact the new restrictions by next spring.

Meta, YouTube and Snapchat have all criticised the ban, which was announced by Keir Starmer on Monday and would stop younger teenagers from using their services."

'Criminal': Elton John condemns UK's AI copyright plans; Reuters, May 18, 2025

Reuters; 'Criminal': Elton John condemns UK's AI copyright plans

"The biggest names in the industry, including John, Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ed Sheeran and others, have urged the government to change course, saying the proposal will make it even harder for young people to make a living in the creative industries.

"The danger is for young artists, they haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech," John told the BBC. "It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed.""