Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work?

Government wants to back parents against tech companies though some feel the process has been rushed

Keir Starmer is expected to announce sweeping Australia-plus" restrictions on under-16s accessing harmful social media apps, a move the government has framed as taking the side of parents against the big technology companies.

A consultation on online safety closed on 26 May, giving ministers just weeks to come up with policies after receiving more than 116,000 responses. Industry sources and child safety advocates have described the process as rushed" and driven by a political timeline. It is not clear when the ban could come into force.