US OPPOSES UK'S UNDER-16 SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

In its submission to the UK consultation, the US government argued that age restrictions would impose a "disproportionate" burden on US Big Tech firms that dominate global social platforms. The UK has been exploring stricter age-gating measures as part of broader online safety reforms. Policymakers have considered various approaches to protect young users from harmful content and addictive design practices. The American position prioritizes concerns about regulatory fragmentation, suggesting that different national age restrictions could complicate platform operations globally. Tech companies have similarly warned that age verification requirements could threaten privacy and create compliance challenges. The intervention signals how online safety regulation has become a trade issue between nations. The UK government will weigh the US objections alongside domestic concerns about child protection when finalizing its approach.