Global Governments Tighten Social Media Rules For Under-16 Users

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 24, 2026

Governments across multiple regions are introducing new restrictions on social media use by children and teenagers, as concerns over cyberbullying, excessive screen time, mental health and online safety continue to shape policy decisions.

Australia Sets The Precedent

Australia became the first country to adopt a nationwide ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, with the measure set to take effect in December 2025. The regulation applies to major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit and Twitch. Companies will be required to implement multi-layered age verification systems that go beyond self-declared data. Non-compliance could result in penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD, making enforcement a central component of the policy.

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European And Asian Regulatory Movements

Several European countries are moving in a similar direction, though with varying thresholds. Austria and Denmark are considering restrictions for users under 14 and 15, respectively. In France, lawmakers have approved legislation limiting access for children under 15, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron as part of efforts to address excessive screen time.

Divergent Approaches In Germany And Beyond

In Germany, proposals backed by conservative policymakers suggest restricting access for users under 16, though coalition partners remain divided on implementation. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia have outlined plans to introduce similar limits, targeting widely used platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Parallel discussions are underway in Poland and Slovenia, where policymakers are considering additional safeguards for younger users.

Legislative Movements In Southern Europe And The Middle East

Greece plans to introduce a ban for users under 15 starting in January 2027, according to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who linked the measure to rising anxiety and sleep-related issues among young people. Spain is considering similar restrictions for users under 16 and is also evaluating stronger accountability measures for platform operators. In Turkey, parliament has approved a bill targeting users under 15, pending presidential approval.

Consultative Process In The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is assessing a potential ban for users under 16. Authorities are consulting parents, young people and civil society groups, while also considering whether platforms should limit features designed to increase user engagement.

Debate And Industry Response

Critics, including Amnesty Tech, argue that strict age verification measures may raise privacy concerns and fail to address the complexity of young users’ online behavior. Despite these concerns, governments continue to advance regulation, signalling a broader shift toward tighter oversight of social media access for minors.

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Cyprus Puts AI At The Heart Of Its Shipping Strategy

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) has backed the proposed National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2032 following a meeting with Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides.

Skourides presented the strategy to members of the chamber’s Digitalisation Committee, which focuses on technology and communications affecting shipping companies and vessel operations. The committee also follows the International Maritime Organisation’s work on navigation, communications and search and rescue.

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The CSC said it looked forward to continued cooperation with Skourides and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy as the strategy moves towards implementation.

AI Could Cut Shipping Costs

Public consultation on the strategy runs until August 31. According to the government’s consultation notice, Cyprus aims to become a trusted AI centre in the eastern Mediterranean by 2032 and a European base for AI services connecting the EU with neighbouring regions.

For the shipping industry, the draft strategy targets fuel savings of 10% to 20% and maintenance cost reductions of 30% to 40%. Proposed applications include AI-assisted route planning, predictive maintenance and digital models of vessels.

Routing systems could combine weather, currents, fuel prices and vessel performance, while digital models would use sensor data to identify potential maintenance problems before equipment fails. AI tools could also help crews and operators track regulatory changes, coordinate with ports and identify safety risks.

Maritime Data And Autonomous Technology

The strategy also proposes a shared maritime data space where companies could contribute anonymised datasets for AI training while protecting commercially sensitive information. Other measures include supervised testing of autonomous surface vessels, drone inspections and the creation of a maritime centre of excellence to support testing and adoption.

Human oversight would remain central. Qualified professionals would retain final authority over decisions, while independent assessments and the withdrawal of systems that fail safety, compliance or performance requirements would be required. The projected savings are targets rather than results already achieved.

Broader AI Strategy

The government’s wider AI framework includes eight strategic objectives covering productivity, public services, skills, data infrastructure and accountability.

Skourides has previously said that “AI must serve people” and that people must remain in control. The strategy therefore also proposes training, reskilling and practical support to help employees, businesses and public servants use and assess AI effectively.

Businesses, professional bodies, researchers and citizens can submit feedback through the government’s e-consultation platform until August 31, with submissions to be considered for inclusion in the final strategy.

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