UK MPs give ministers powers to restrict entire Internet
Summary
UK MPs rejected a Lords amendment to ban social media for under 16s and instead granted ministers broad powers to restrict Internet access for those under 18. The proposed powers could limit websites, apps, and online services without new legislation, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and state censorship. Open Rights Group and security/privacy scholars call for regulation of age-verification providers and a moratorium on deploying age-assurance technologies until more consensus and safeguards are established.