Inside the UK's under-16 social media ban: AI girlfriends, Bluesky, and a few open questions

The U.K. government has introduced a comprehensive ban on social media for those under 16, targeting platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. This initiative, inspired by Australia's similar approach, raises questions about privacy, data security, and the role of AI, particularly AI girlfriends. Critics argue it could be an overt form of political censorship, while supporters claim it's essential for safeguarding young users from harmful online content and data exploitation. This move highlights a global trend towards stricter online regulation for minors.