New Zealand is considering new legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The proposal is aimed at strengthening online safety measures and protecting young users from harmful content, cyberbullying and excessive screen time.


New Zealand proposes ban on social media for under-16s 

France's Constitutional Council has struck down President Macron's high-profile bill banning social media for children under 15, calling it a "disproportionate infringement" on freedom of expression. The court said the blanket ban failed to account for individual factors like a child's age, maturity, or family situation, and raised serious privacy concerns. The setback comes just weeks after French lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill, which would have made France the first EU country with such an age limit.


France court blocks Macron's social media ban for under-15s 

Australia has defended its social media ban policy, stating that stricter enforcement measures will be introduced to ensure compliance. The government’s move aims to address online safety concerns, with authorities preparing tighter monitoring and implementation plans for digital platforms.

Australia government stands by online law: Defends social media ban

France advances new legislation aimed at restricting and blocking social media platform access for minors under 15 years old, targeting digital safety, parental consent, and teen mental health protection.


France: Social Media accounts of children under 15 will be removed 

A government-appointed expert panel in Germany has submitted 56 recommendations to the family ministry, including a proposal to bar children under 13 from owning and operating their own social media accounts. The report, which also outlines tiered protection standards for teenagers aged 13–18, is intended to combat risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to extremist content, and the mental health impacts of addictive algorithmic feeds.

Germany Social Media Ban: Under-13 Social Media Ban Proposed 

Days after the UK, the United Arab Emirates also announced to ban social media for children under 15 on Thursday, becoming the first nation in the Arab world. The UAE has joined a growing group of countries, including Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and several European countries that have also cracked down on teen use of social media. A cabinet resolution stated that Social media platforms will have to maintain surveillance and disable accounts created by under-15s or risk being blocked, giving them a 12-month transition timeframe. "The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years," the official WAM news agency said, citing the cabinet resolution. "Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms," the agency added. These nations followed suit after Australia began a world-first social media bar for under-16s in December 2025. The bans were followed after getting inspired by rising concerns over mental health, cyber-bullying, a lack of physical activity, online predators and addictive behaviour. Critics argue that such restrictions are difficult to implement effectively, may limit children's opportunities for social interaction, and could push online activity into less visible digital spaces where oversight becomes more challenging.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telegram-being-used-for-carrying-out-cyberattacks-circulating-child-porn-drug-trade-govt-tells-delhi-high-court-1781779733996">Telegram being used for carrying out cyberattacks, circulating child porn, drug trade: Govt tells Delhi High Court</a><h3>Full ban or partial ban?</h3>The UAE's resolution aligns with broader international efforts to strengthen online child safety. Under the rules, children are prohibited from accessing the full range of social media functions, including interacting with others, posting content, commenting, sharing material, joining public groups, participating in open channels, or engaging in large-scale interactive communities. Teenagers aged 15 and 16 may still use social media, but only under stricter safeguards, such as content controls and limits on screen time. Regulatory authorities overseeing media and telecommunications are empowered to take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply. Possible measures include issuing warnings, imposing partial or complete platform bans, and applying administrative penalties where necessary. The resolution also places responsibility on parents and caregivers to prevent children from accessing social media or bypassing age-verification systems, stating that parental permission does not exempt users from the rules. The UAE already enforces stringent regulations governing online content, especially the spread of "rumours" online. During the war in West Asia, hundreds of individuals were apprehended for sharing images related to attacks.&nbsp;

Critics argue that such restrictions are difficult to implement effectively, may limit children's opportunities for social interaction, and could push online activity into less visible digital spaces where oversight becomes more challenging.

Days after the UK, the United Arab Emirates also announced to ban social media for children under 15 on Thursday, becoming the first nation in the Arab world. The UAE has joined a growing group of countries, including Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and several European countries that have also cracked down on teen use of social media. A cabinet resolution stated that Social media platforms will have to maintain surveillance and disable accounts created by under-15s or risk being blocked, giving them a 12-month transition timeframe. "The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years," the official WAM news agency said, citing the cabinet resolution. "Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms," the agency added. These nations followed suit after Australia began a world-first social media bar for under-16s in December 2025. The bans were followed after getting inspired by rising concerns over mental health, cyber-bullying, a lack of physical activity, online predators and addictive behaviour. Critics argue that such restrictions are difficult to implement effectively, may limit children's opportunities for social interaction, and could push online activity into less visible digital spaces where oversight becomes more challenging. Also read: Telegram being used for carrying out cyberattacks, circulating child porn, drug trade: Govt tells Delhi High Court Full ban or partial ban? The UAE's resolution aligns with broader international efforts to strengthen online child safety. Under the rules, children are prohibited from accessing the full range of social media functions, including interacting with others, posting content, commenting, sharing material, joining public groups, participating in open channels, or engaging in large-scale interactive communities. Teenagers aged 15 and 16 may still use social media, but only under stricter safeguards, such as content controls and limits on screen time. Regulatory authorities overseeing media and telecommunications are empowered to take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply. Possible measures include issuing warnings, imposing partial or complete platform bans, and applying administrative penalties where necessary. The resolution also places responsibility on parents and caregivers to prevent children from accessing social media or bypassing age-verification systems, stating that parental permission does not exempt users from the rules. The UAE already enforces stringent regulations governing online content, especially the spread of "rumours" online. During the war in West Asia, hundreds of individuals were apprehended for sharing images related to attacks.

Critics argue that such restrictions are difficult to implement effectively, may limit children's opportunities for social interaction, and could push online activity into less visible digital spaces where oversight becomes more challenging.

After UK, UAE imposes social media ban on under-15s, becomes first Arab nation to do so

The UK is joining Australia, Indonesia, and a handful of other nations to implement social media restrictions, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing a ban on under-16s' access to platforms like Facebook and Instagram soon. Most bans across nations are age-based, applying mainly to those below 16 or 18. Full nationwide bans for mostly US-based platforms exist in China and Iran. India banned TikTok in 2020. While full nationwide bans cause near-total revenue loss from those markets, limited bans based on age, known as age-gating, do not affect the company's bottom line, as such restrictions target younger, less monetised teen demographics. These restrictions are basically a rap on the knuckle for the firms, and a drop in the ocean when compared to the billion-dollar revenues of Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap and others. Here is why:<h2>Fines and penalties are low compared to social media platform revenues</h2>In Australia, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (US$33.2 million) if they fail to remove under-16 accounts. Against Meta's multi-billion-dollar quarterly profits, this amount is nothing. No major fines have been paid. The country's watchdog, eSafety, is sending monthly notices for six months and will pursue penalties only for systemic breaches. The main cost so far is reputational, from compliance probes on these firms.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-keir-starmer-to-bar-all-under-16s-from-major-social-media-platforms-1781508860388">UK government to bar all under-16s from major social media platforms, Keir Starmer announces</a><h2>Social media bans: Account removals vs actual usage</h2>Platforms revoked access to about 4.7 million under-16 accounts in Australia since the December 2025 ban. Yet usage persists, with surveys showing up to 20 per cent of 13–15-year-olds still accessing TikTok and Snapchat months later, and most prior users retaining access via workarounds like VPNs and fake ages. This, in effect, limits the losses for social media firms both in terms of real users and revenue.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-ban-social-media-for-under-16s-proposes-sweeping-online-safety-curbs-1781586711769/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-ban-social-media-for-under-16s-proposes-sweeping-online-safety-curbs-1781586711769/embed</a><h2>Is revenue actually lost for companies due to social media bans?</h2>A 2023 Harvard study found social media platforms earned nearly $11 billion in US ad revenue from under-18s in 2022. Snapchat derived 41 per cent of its 2022 US ad revenue from under-18s, TikTok 35 per cent, YouTube 27 per cent, and Instagram 16 per cent. Nobably, the figure is only 1.9 per cent for Facebook and 2 per cent for X. Instagram drew most revenue from 13–17-year-olds , at $4 billion, followed by TikTok, before it was briefly banned in US, at $2 billion.&nbsp;Under-16s are a smaller slice of the user base, but they are key drivers of engagement and future growth.In February this year, Snap CEO called global ad revenue from under-18 impressions "not material."&nbsp;Analysts broadly agree to this: teens are under-monetised as they lack the disposable income advertisers chase. So the short-term financial impacts of bans may be minimal.The bigger boomerang hits creators, who used to earn billions through these platforms in markets like Australia and lose reach when their under-16 audience is cut off.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-india-planning-australia-like-social-media-ban-for-children-under-16-what-we-know-1771386744225">Is India planning Australia-like social media ban for children under 16? What we know</a><h2>Cost of compliance is also minimal compared to revenues</h2>Age-verification runs roughly $0.12–$0.65 per check , and can include facial estimation, ID-based, or mobile-based methods. As Australia's six industry codes for age assurance took effect in March, a government analysis estimated AU$53.9 million in initial age-assurance costs across services plus AU$4.5 million annually. For the big tech firms, these amounts are manageable, though the tech can be cumbersome. The cost of running the business will eventually come down as technology matures. Indirect risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy obligations, and breach exposure from collecting age data could remain.In short, the direct business costs to major platforms from age bans look modest. Fines and compliance are nearly negligible against their global revenue. Full bans, like TikTok's in India and the US before reinstatement, are far costlier.

The UK plans an under-16 social media ban. But such age-gating measures might have only a limited financial impact on Meta, TikTok and other social media giants. Fines, compliance costs and teen ad revenue remain relatively small compared to their billion-dollar revenues.

The UK is joining Australia, Indonesia, and a handful of other nations to implement social media restrictions, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing a ban on under-16s' access to platforms like Facebook and Instagram soon. Most bans across nations are age-based, applying mainly to those below 16 or 18. Full nationwide bans for mostly US-based platforms exist in China and Iran. India banned TikTok in 2020. While full nationwide bans cause near-total revenue loss from those markets, limited bans based on age, known as age-gating, do not affect the company's bottom line, as such restrictions target younger, less monetised teen demographics. These restrictions are basically a rap on the knuckle for the firms, and a drop in the ocean when compared to the billion-dollar revenues of Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap and others. Here is why: Fines and penalties are low compared to social media platform revenues In Australia, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (US$33.2 million) if they fail to remove under-16 accounts. Against Meta's multi-billion-dollar quarterly profits, this amount is nothing. No major fines have been paid. The country's watchdog, eSafety, is sending monthly notices for six months and will pursue penalties only for systemic breaches. The main cost so far is reputational, from compliance probes on these firms. Also read: UK government to bar all under-16s from major social media platforms, Keir Starmer announces Social media bans: Account removals vs actual usage Platforms revoked access to about 4.7 million under-16 accounts in Australia since the December 2025 ban. Yet usage persists, with surveys showing up to 20 per cent of 13–15-year-olds still accessing TikTok and Snapchat months later, and most prior users retaining access via workarounds like VPNs and fake ages. This, in effect, limits the losses for social media firms both in terms of real users and revenue. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-ban-social-media-for-under-16s-proposes-sweeping-online-safety-curbs-1781586711769/embed Is revenue actually lost for companies due to social media bans? A 2023 Harvard study found social media platforms earned nearly $11 billion in US ad revenue from under-18s in 2022. Snapchat derived 41 per cent of its 2022 US ad revenue from under-18s, TikTok 35 per cent, YouTube 27 per cent, and Instagram 16 per cent. Nobably, the figure is only 1.9 per cent for Facebook and 2 per cent for X. Instagram drew most revenue from 13–17-year-olds , at $4 billion, followed by TikTok, before it was briefly banned in US, at $2 billion. Under-16s are a smaller slice of the user base, but they are key drivers of engagement and future growth. In February this year, Snap CEO called global ad revenue from under-18 impressions "not material." Analysts broadly agree to this: teens are under-monetised as they lack the disposable income advertisers chase. So the short-term financial impacts of bans may be minimal. The bigger boomerang hits creators, who used to earn billions through these platforms in markets like Australia and lose reach when their under-16 audience is cut off. Also read: Is India planning Australia-like social media ban for children under 16? What we know Cost of compliance is also minimal compared to revenues Age-verification runs roughly $0.12–$0.65 per check , and can include facial estimation, ID-based, or mobile-based methods. As Australia's six industry codes for age assurance took effect in March, a government analysis estimated AU$53.9 million in initial age-assurance costs across services plus AU$4.5 million annually. For the big tech firms, these amounts are manageable, though the tech can be cumbersome. The cost of running the business will eventually come down as technology matures. Indirect risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy obligations, and breach exposure from collecting age data could remain. In short, the direct business costs to major platforms from age bans look modest. Fines and compliance are nearly negligible against their global revenue. Full bans, like TikTok's in India and the US before reinstatement, are far costlier.

The UK plans an under-16 social media ban. But such age-gating measures might have only a limited financial impact on Meta, TikTok and other social media giants. Fines, compliance costs and teen ad revenue remain relatively small compared to their billion-dollar revenues.

UK to join under-16 social media bans, but will it really hurt the companies? The Big Question

The UK government is considering tougher online safety measures that could restrict access to social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed proposals aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content, excessive screen time and mental health risks. The plans may also extend to gaming and livestreaming platforms, sparking a wider debate over child safety, digital freedom and the role of technology companies in safeguarding young users.

UK To Ban Social Media For Under-16s: Proposes Sweeping Online Safety Curbs

The UK government is considering tougher online safety measures that could restrict access to social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed proposals aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content, excessive screen time and mental health risks. The plans may also extend to gaming and livestreaming platforms, sparking a wider debate over child safety, digital freedom and the role of technology companies in safeguarding young users.


UK PM Keir Starmer Backs Social Media Ban For Under-16s

It happens to many of us. Ten minutes turns to 30, then 30 turns to an hour, and suddenly it is two hours since you have been doomscrolling on social media. Whether it is cute cat videos, funny memes, or news content, scrolling social media for hours has become a part of the daily routine for many people, with some even becoming addicted to social media. Amid rising concerns over social media, governments have also started taking action, banning it for teenagers across several nations.Scientists are increasingly studying what makes people hooked on social media and how it affects attention, mood and behaviour. While experts caution against claims that smartphones are “destroying” the brain, evidence suggests that digital platforms can reinforce habits that shape how we consume information.<h2>Why your brain loves endless scrolling</h2>Our social media feeds are endless, which makes it difficult to stop scrolling. While a book has a final page, or a TV show has an ending, our Instagram or Facebook feeds just don’t end. This creates a curiosity: What will be the next post? Our brain, which gets addicted to the dopamine it gets every time your favourite content pops up on the feed, seeks more rewards. As a result, many people continue scrolling for way longer than they intended to get their next rewarding experience.<h2>The dopamine myth and the power of variable rewards</h2>Dopamine is not simply a “feel-good” chemical. It also plays a key role in motivation and reward-seeking behaviour. Psychologists often compare social media feeds to slot machines because both rely on unpredictable rewards. A user might find a funny video, an exciting update or a message from a friend after several swipes. The timing is never certain.Experts call this a variable reward schedule. Because rewards arrive unpredictably, users remain motivated to continue searching. In many cases, the anticipation of a reward becomes just as powerful as the reward itself. This may explain why some people continue to scroll even when they are no longer enjoying the content.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137"> WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</a><h2>A need for novelty</h2>Our brain pays attention to novelty. New information could give us an opportunity, a resource, or a threat. Humans are naturally attracted to unknown experiences – and social media never fails to provide us with fresh content. With every new post, users encounter a new image, video, opinion or headline. This feeds our brains the constant stimulation it desires.Over time, this pattern can encourage rapid switching between different pieces of information. Researchers suggest that constant exposure to highly stimulating content may make slower activities such as reading, studying or deep work feel less engaging by comparison.<h2>Mental health feedback loop</h2>Scrolling becomes even more compelling when content triggers strong emotions. According to researchers, anxiety and information consumption often reinforce one another. People who feel worried may seek more information to reduce uncertainty. But the repeated exposure to content may also increase stress rather than helping them feel better.This creates a feedback loop in which anxiety fuels more scrolling, and more scrolling fuels anxiety. Studies have linked excessive doomscrolling to higher levels of stress, pessimism and emotional exhaustion.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-decodes-what-is-godzilla-el-ni-o-and-how-can-it-impact-the-indian-monsoon-1780917581717">WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon?</a><h2>Is scrolling really rewiring the brain?</h2>While scientists refrain from making dramatic claims such as social media is damaging the brain, neuroplasticity may explain how your digital habits can impact behaviour.Scientists generally avoid dramatic claims that social media is damaging the brain. However, the concept of neuroplasticity helps explain how digital habits can shape behaviour.Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt through repeated experiences. The neural pathways that are used frequently become stronger over time. Habits based on novelty, rapid rewards and constant task-switching can become increasingly automatic over time.Social media itself is not harmful and can help educate, entertain and content people. However, it becomes a problem when the endless feeds start replacing focused work, meaningful interactions and time away from screens. Understanding the science behind scrolling reveals that the struggle to stop is not simply about willpower. It is also about these platforms designed to keep attention engaged for as long as possible. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed</a> &nbsp;

What turns a quick social media check into an hour-long scroll? Here’s what neuroscience and psychology say about the habit and its impact on the brain.

It happens to many of us. Ten minutes turns to 30, then 30 turns to an hour, and suddenly it is two hours since you have been doomscrolling on social media. Whether it is cute cat videos, funny memes, or news content, scrolling social media for hours has become a part of the daily routine for many people, with some even becoming addicted to social media. Amid rising concerns over social media, governments have also started taking action, banning it for teenagers across several nations. Scientists are increasingly studying what makes people hooked on social media and how it affects attention, mood and behaviour. While experts caution against claims that smartphones are “destroying” the brain, evidence suggests that digital platforms can reinforce habits that shape how we consume information. Why your brain loves endless scrolling Our social media feeds are endless, which makes it difficult to stop scrolling. While a book has a final page, or a TV show has an ending, our Instagram or Facebook feeds just don’t end. This creates a curiosity: What will be the next post? Our brain, which gets addicted to the dopamine it gets every time your favourite content pops up on the feed, seeks more rewards. As a result, many people continue scrolling for way longer than they intended to get their next rewarding experience. The dopamine myth and the power of variable rewards Dopamine is not simply a “feel-good” chemical. It also plays a key role in motivation and reward-seeking behaviour. Psychologists often compare social media feeds to slot machines because both rely on unpredictable rewards. A user might find a funny video, an exciting update or a message from a friend after several swipes. The timing is never certain. Experts call this a variable reward schedule. Because rewards arrive unpredictably, users remain motivated to continue searching. In many cases, the anticipation of a reward becomes just as powerful as the reward itself. This may explain why some people continue to scroll even when they are no longer enjoying the content. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says A need for novelty Our brain pays attention to novelty. New information could give us an opportunity, a resource, or a threat. Humans are naturally attracted to unknown experiences – and social media never fails to provide us with fresh content. With every new post, users encounter a new image, video, opinion or headline. This feeds our brains the constant stimulation it desires. Over time, this pattern can encourage rapid switching between different pieces of information. Researchers suggest that constant exposure to highly stimulating content may make slower activities such as reading, studying or deep work feel less engaging by comparison. Mental health feedback loop Scrolling becomes even more compelling when content triggers strong emotions. According to researchers, anxiety and information consumption often reinforce one another. People who feel worried may seek more information to reduce uncertainty. But the repeated exposure to content may also increase stress rather than helping them feel better. This creates a feedback loop in which anxiety fuels more scrolling, and more scrolling fuels anxiety. Studies have linked excessive doomscrolling to higher levels of stress, pessimism and emotional exhaustion. Also read | WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon? Is scrolling really rewiring the brain? While scientists refrain from making dramatic claims such as social media is damaging the brain, neuroplasticity may explain how your digital habits can impact behaviour. Scientists generally avoid dramatic claims that social media is damaging the brain. However, the concept of neuroplasticity helps explain how digital habits can shape behaviour. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt through repeated experiences. The neural pathways that are used frequently become stronger over time. Habits based on novelty, rapid rewards and constant task-switching can become increasingly automatic over time. Social media itself is not harmful and can help educate, entertain and content people. However, it becomes a problem when the endless feeds start replacing focused work, meaningful interactions and time away from screens. Understanding the science behind scrolling reveals that the struggle to stop is not simply about willpower. It is also about these platforms designed to keep attention engaged for as long as possible. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed

From dopamine-driven rewards to doomscrolling, here's what science says about why people keep scrolling and how the habit can shape the brain.

The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain

The UK government is considering a ban on social media access for children under 16 as part of a new initiative to protect young users from online risks. To test the policy, a six-week pilot program will involve 300 teenagers, monitoring how age restrictions could affect social media use, mental health, and online safety.

UK Considers Under-16 Social Media Ban; 300 Teens to Join Six-Week Pilot 

Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced that Greece will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 starting January 1, 2027.

The announcement was made via social media to directly address young audiences, with the Prime Minister acknowledging potential backlash while emphasizing long-term benefits.

Greece Social Media Ban: Greece Proposes Social Media Curbs on Under-15-Year-Olds

A new six-week pilot programme in the United Kingdom will see 300 teenagers voluntarily limit their social media use as part of a government-backed initiative to study the impact of reduced screen time on mental health, focus, sleep patterns, and academic performance. 


UK Social Media Ban: 300 Teenagers to Take Part in Six-Week Pilot in the UK 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16. The proposal, revealed during the ₹4.48 lakh crore 2026–27 state budget, aims to tackle the growing impact of excessive mobile and social media usage among young users. If implemented, Karnataka could become the first Indian state to introduce such a restriction.

India: Karnataka to Restrict Social Media Access for Under-16s

France is pushing for a social media ban for minors, sparking a major debate across Europe over online safety and digital regulation. The proposal aims to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen exposure, while tech companies face growing pressure to enforce stricter age verification measures.


France Social Media Ban: European Nation Calls for Social Media Ban for Minors |

Spain is considering a ban on social media use for children under 16, citing concerns over mental health, screen time, and online safety. The proposal could impact major social media platforms and set a precedent for other countries.


Spain Proposes Ban on Social Media For Children

France's National Assembly passed a bill to bar children under 15 from using social media to protect them from online bullying and mental health impacts. The legislation, which restrict use of mobile phones in high schools, was passed with a vote of 130 to 21 in the lower house after lengthy discussion. However, it will now go to the Senate, France's upper house, ahead of becoming law.&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the cause, flagged social media as a factor to blame for rising violence among young people and cited Australia's example, which became the first country in the world to ban under-16s from using social media platfoms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube in December last year.&nbsp;Macron lauded the vote in favour of restriction as a major step towards ensuring protections of French children and teenagers froms ills of social media. &nbsp;"The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms," he said.&nbsp;With social media becoming ubiquitous, the dangers of too much sceentime hindring development of children and causing mental health issue beame a major concern for parents. France's public health watchdog ANSES claimed that social media such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are found to have a detrimental effect on adoloscents especially girls. Rising concerns over cyberbullying and exposure to violent content prompted countries across the world to take strict action against social media use, while Australia became the first country to impose a strict ban. Several other nations, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, are considering similar restrictions.<h2>Australia: The world-first total ban</h2>Australia’s landmark law officially prohibits anyone under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Since its enforcement began in late 2025, over 4.7 million accounts have already been deactivated. Platforms face massive fines of up to $50 million for failing to take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage access.<h2>United Kingdom: Parliamentary pressure</h2>The UK's House of Lords recently voted in favour of a landmark amendment to ban social media for those under 16. This legislative move complements the government’s active three-month consultation on "phone curfews" and enhanced age-verification standards, signalling a shift toward strict prohibition.<h2>Malaysia and Norway: Strict statutory limits</h2>Malaysia has announced a nationwide ban for children under 16, scheduled for July 2026, utilising government-ID-based digital verification (eKYC). Similarly, Norway recently raised its statutory age limit from 13 to 15, citing the urgent need to protect developing minds from addictive design features and harmful algorithms.<h2>United States (Virginia): The one-hour mandate</h2>While a federal ban remains absent in the U.S., Virginia launched a unique law on January 1, 2026. Rather than an outright ban, it mandates a one-hour daily limit for users under 16, requiring "verifiable parental consent" for any extensions.

President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the cause, flagged social media as a factor to blame for rising violence among young people and cited Australia's example, which became the first country in the world to ban under-16s from using social media.

France's National Assembly passed a bill to bar children under 15 from using social media to protect them from online bullying and mental health impacts. The legislation, which restrict use of mobile phones in high schools, was passed with a vote of 130 to 21 in the lower house after lengthy discussion. However, it will now go to the Senate, France's upper house, ahead of becoming law. President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the cause, flagged social media as a factor to blame for rising violence among young people and cited Australia's example, which became the first country in the world to ban under-16s from using social media platfoms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube in December last year. Macron lauded the vote in favour of restriction as a major step towards ensuring protections of French children and teenagers froms ills of social media. "The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms," he said. With social media becoming ubiquitous, the dangers of too much sceentime hindring development of children and causing mental health issue beame a major concern for parents. France's public health watchdog ANSES claimed that social media such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are found to have a detrimental effect on adoloscents especially girls. Rising concerns over cyberbullying and exposure to violent content prompted countries across the world to take strict action against social media use, while Australia became the first country to impose a strict ban. Several other nations, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, are considering similar restrictions. Australia: The world-first total ban Australia’s landmark law officially prohibits anyone under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Since its enforcement began in late 2025, over 4.7 million accounts have already been deactivated. Platforms face massive fines of up to $50 million for failing to take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage access. United Kingdom: Parliamentary pressure The UK's House of Lords recently voted in favour of a landmark amendment to ban social media for those under 16. This legislative move complements the government’s active three-month consultation on "phone curfews" and enhanced age-verification standards, signalling a shift toward strict prohibition. Malaysia and Norway: Strict statutory limits Malaysia has announced a nationwide ban for children under 16, scheduled for July 2026, utilising government-ID-based digital verification (eKYC). Similarly, Norway recently raised its statutory age limit from 13 to 15, citing the urgent need to protect developing minds from addictive design features and harmful algorithms. United States (Virginia): The one-hour mandate While a federal ban remains absent in the U.S., Virginia launched a unique law on January 1, 2026. Rather than an outright ban, it mandates a one-hour daily limit for users under 16, requiring "verifiable parental consent" for any extensions.

President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the cause, flagged social media as a factor to blame for rising violence among young people and cited Australia's example, which became the first country in the world to ban under-16s from using social media.

No social media for children: France passes bill to restrict under-15s; know the countries that have banned platforms for kids

France has moved closer to banning social media access for children under 15 after the French National Assembly voted 116–23 in favour of the proposal. The legislation is part of a broader push to protect minors from online harm, cyberbullying and addictive digital platforms, though implementation challenges remain.


France Moves To Ban Social Media For Under 15 After Parliament Vote

The French government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, aiming to protect young users from online risks, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. The proposed law will restrict platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for minors and enforce strict parental controls. 


France: French MPs Vote in Favour of Bill to Ban Social Media for Under-15s 

More than 4.7m social media accounts held by Australians who platforms have judged to be under 16 years of age were deactivated, removed or restricted in the first days after the ban came into effect on 10 December, the prime minister has said.

Australia Bans Under-16 Social Media Accounts, Millions Removed Within Days 

Denmark has announced plans to ban social media use for children under 15, aiming to protect young users’ mental health and well-being. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube would be restricted under the proposal, expected to come into effect by mid-2026.

Parents could grant access for 13- and 14-year-olds after assessments, with enforcement likely via a digital age-verification app. Following Australia’s recent under-16 social media ban, Denmark seeks to go further in protecting children from harmful digital content and excessive online exposure.

Tech Giants Accused Of Stealing Childhoods: Denmark Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s 

Pakistan's Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Mallik, has urged social media platforms to crack down on accounts linked to militant groups. He also threatened to initiate actions against social media platforms, as serious as banning them in the case of non-compliance. Pakistan have faced several terror attacks from terror fronts like Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, and the Pakistani Taliban, who are known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. At a news conference in Islamabad, Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said that several accounts were operating from Afghanistan, India and other countries, spreading hate and extremist content.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan is at a crossroads with X</h2>According to reports from Dawn, social media platform X is unwilling to cooperate with the Pakistani government. Pakistan has reportedly asked social media platforms to open an office in Pakistan. X has approximately 4.5 million users in Pakistan and was blocked in 2024, following the general election. However, it was later revoked. It has also briefly banned YouTube and TikTok. Barrister Mallik has accused X of double standards. While posts related to Palestine were deleted and accounts were blocked within 24 hours, accounts spreading misinformation and propaganda are allowed without any restriction.&nbsp;Talal Chadhury and other investigators have allegedly identified 19 X platforms which operate from India. More than two dozen additional such accounts are active from Afghanistan, some with apparent ties to the Afghan Taliban government, he said. He has warned these platforms, drawing similarities with Brazil, reminding these social media platforms of the hefty fine of $5.2 million. Pakistan's government, earlier in 2025, passed a controversial bill which gives it sweeping control over social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan warns social media platforms, especially X, of severe action or bans for failing to curb militant-linked accounts spreading hate and misinformation.

Pakistan's Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Mallik, has urged social media platforms to crack down on accounts linked to militant groups. He also threatened to initiate actions against social media platforms, as serious as banning them in the case of non-compliance. Pakistan have faced several terror attacks from terror fronts like Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, and the Pakistani Taliban, who are known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. At a news conference in Islamabad, Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said that several accounts were operating from Afghanistan, India and other countries, spreading hate and extremist content. Pakistan is at a crossroads with X According to reports from Dawn, social media platform X is unwilling to cooperate with the Pakistani government. Pakistan has reportedly asked social media platforms to open an office in Pakistan. X has approximately 4.5 million users in Pakistan and was blocked in 2024, following the general election. However, it was later revoked. It has also briefly banned YouTube and TikTok. Barrister Mallik has accused X of double standards. While posts related to Palestine were deleted and accounts were blocked within 24 hours, accounts spreading misinformation and propaganda are allowed without any restriction. Talal Chadhury and other investigators have allegedly identified 19 X platforms which operate from India. More than two dozen additional such accounts are active from Afghanistan, some with apparent ties to the Afghan Taliban government, he said. He has warned these platforms, drawing similarities with Brazil, reminding these social media platforms of the hefty fine of $5.2 million. Pakistan's government, earlier in 2025, passed a controversial bill which gives it sweeping control over social media platforms.

Pakistan warns social media platforms, especially X, of severe action or bans for failing to curb militant-linked accounts spreading hate and misinformation.

Pakistan threatens to ban social media platforms over non-compliance

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bans-under-16s-from-social-media-but-youtube-warns-it-could-make-them-less-safe-wion-explains-1764746581502">Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how</a><h2>What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban?</h2>According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication.<h2>Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban</h2>According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-safe-again-us-state-department-touts-achievement-85-000-visas-revoked-since-trump-returned-to-white-house-indians-students-affected-1765332063561">Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you</a><h2>Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe</h2>The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP."We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog. Also read | Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban? According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication. Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent. Also read | Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP. "We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?

Australia has introduced a landmark law banning social media platforms for users under 16, aiming to protect children from online harms and mental health risks. The move has ignited a global debate on children’s digital rights, with advocates praising the initiative as a step toward safer online spaces and critics questioning its impact on privacy and freedom of expression.

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s, Children’s Digital Rights in Spotlight

Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, citing concerns over mental health, online safety, and exposure to harmful content. Platforms will now face strict regulations, and parents will play a key role in monitoring usage. This landmark decision could influence global policies on teen internet access and reshape the way young people engage online.

Australia Bans Social Media For Under-16s

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15.&nbsp;Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-911-call-from-mcdonald-s-led-to-arrest-of-luigi-mangione-shooter-accused-of-killing-unitedhealthcare-s-ceo-1765280137698">How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO</a>&nbsp;How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users.&nbsp;The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

In a global first, Australia’s under-16 social media ban takes effect

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15. Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems. Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks. Also Read: How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users. The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

Australia’s world-first legislation banning under-16s from using social media goes live, with tech companies tasked to enforce age restrictions to avoid heavy fines

Denmark has announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 15, with exceptions allowed for those aged 13-14, subject to parental approval. The move is aimed at protecting the mental health of young people, and is expected to receive broad political support in parliament.


Denmark to ban social media for under‑15, parents can allow access from age 13 

The Denmark government on Friday announced a political agreement to ban access to social media for children under the age of 15. The move, led by the Ministry of Digitalisation, would set the age limit for access to social media but, after a specific assessment, will give some parents the right to give consent to let their children access social media from age 13. The move follows Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s call for restrictions on children’s use of social media in her opening speech to Parliament last month, due to concerns over the mental health of youth. A majority of parties in parliament said they would support the plan.&nbsp;“Denmark is taking a groundbreaking step towards introducing age limits on social media to protect children and young people in the digital world,” said the country’s digitalisation ministry.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-mp-kalyan-banerjee-loses-56-lakh-to-cyberfraud-through-fake-kyc-of-bank-account-1762531065711">TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee loses ₹56 lakh to cyberfraud through fake KYC of bank account</a>&nbsp;“Children under the age of 15 should not have access to platforms that may expose them to harmful content or harmful features,” the ministry statement said but&nbsp;did not specify how the ban will be enforced or which social media platforms will be included.&nbsp;However, exceptions can be made if parents believe their child should have access to social media at an earlier age. According to the statement, parents will have the opportunity to consent to their children’s access if their children are as young as 13.&nbsp;As part of the agreement, EU’s Digital Services Act supervision will be strengthened, and funds will be allocated to support the development of alternative social media platforms. Additionally, extra efforts will be made to combat illegal marketing by influencers, it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-800-flights-cancelled-in-us-after-aviation-agency-s-directive-to-cut-air-traffic-1762518468183">Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic</a>&nbsp;“Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present,” it said. “This is a development that no parent, teacher, or educator can stop alone,” said digitalisation minister Caroline Stage.“We are taking a necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long.”&nbsp;<h2>Denmark follows Australia’s lead&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In December, Australia is set to become the first country to ban social media for children, setting the minimum age at 16. In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a United Nations forum in New York that she was “inspired” by Australia’s “common sense” decision to enact age restrictions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-killed-in-vietnam-as-typhoon-kalmaegi-makes-landfall-after-unleashing-devastation-in-philippines-1762523301709">At least five killed in Vietnam as Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall after unleashing devastation in Philippines</a>&nbsp;The legislation also imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32.3 million) on social media platforms for allowing children under 16 to create accounts.The platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick have a legal obligation to shut down accounts of Australian children under 16 by December 10.

Digitalisation minister Caroline Stage said children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships. Tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long, the minister added.

The Denmark government on Friday announced a political agreement to ban access to social media for children under the age of 15. The move, led by the Ministry of Digitalisation, would set the age limit for access to social media but, after a specific assessment, will give some parents the right to give consent to let their children access social media from age 13. The move follows Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s call for restrictions on children’s use of social media in her opening speech to Parliament last month, due to concerns over the mental health of youth. A majority of parties in parliament said they would support the plan. “Denmark is taking a groundbreaking step towards introducing age limits on social media to protect children and young people in the digital world,” said the country’s digitalisation ministry. Also Read: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee loses ₹56 lakh to cyberfraud through fake KYC of bank account “Children under the age of 15 should not have access to platforms that may expose them to harmful content or harmful features,” the ministry statement said but did not specify how the ban will be enforced or which social media platforms will be included. However, exceptions can be made if parents believe their child should have access to social media at an earlier age. According to the statement, parents will have the opportunity to consent to their children’s access if their children are as young as 13. As part of the agreement, EU’s Digital Services Act supervision will be strengthened, and funds will be allocated to support the development of alternative social media platforms. Additionally, extra efforts will be made to combat illegal marketing by influencers, it added. Also Read: Over 800 flights cancelled in US after aviation agency’s directive to cut air traffic “Children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships where adults are not always present,” it said. “This is a development that no parent, teacher, or educator can stop alone,” said digitalisation minister Caroline Stage. “We are taking a necessary stand against a development where large tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long.” Denmark follows Australia’s lead In December, Australia is set to become the first country to ban social media for children, setting the minimum age at 16. In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a United Nations forum in New York that she was “inspired” by Australia’s “common sense” decision to enact age restrictions. Also Read: At least five killed in Vietnam as Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall after unleashing devastation in Philippines The legislation also imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32.3 million) on social media platforms for allowing children under 16 to create accounts. The platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick have a legal obligation to shut down accounts of Australian children under 16 by December 10.

Digitalisation minister Caroline Stage said children and young people have their sleep disrupted, lose their peace and concentration, and experience increasing pressure from digital relationships. Tech platforms have had free rein in children’s rooms for far too long, the minister added.

Denmark to ban social media platforms for children under 15

Other than Nepal, several other nations have also banned major social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, each for varying political, security, or regulatory reasons, but still have not lifted the ban on them. Check the list below.

Other than Nepal, several other nations have also banned major social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, each for varying political, security, or regulatory reasons, but still have not lifted the ban on them. Check the list below.

Not just Nepal! 5 countries that banned Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media apps — Check here

Nepal is on edge as Gen Z-led protests erupt over a controversial social media ban. With 19 dead, three ministers gone, and Prime Minister KP Oli under pressure, what started as a digital crackdown has become a nationwide rebellion against corruption, censorship, and broken trust.

PM Oli's residence set on fire | Nepal protests intensify again

Protests in Nepal reached a boiling point as demonstrators vandalised and set fire to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s private residence. The escalation follows days of unrest over a controversial social media ban and growing public anger over corruption and governance. Security forces remain on high alert as tensions continue to rise.

PM Oli's private residence vandalised, set ablaze | Nepal protests intensify

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