Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps

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

Keir Starmer is to ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands.

In a major policy shift far tougher than previously briefed, the prime minister will announce that teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms. Online products that are not covered by the ban – such as gaming apps – will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed.

Sean Davis posted a photo:

Measures to include restrictions on ‘safe’ social media apps, with some fearing banning some platforms and not others will lead to legal challenges

Teenagers under the age of 16 are to be banned from accessing “high-risk” social media apps while safer platforms will be subjected to restrictions, under a sweeping government crackdown.

Under-18s will also be banned from using romantic or sexual AI chatbots after a consultation on keeping children safe online.

SEREMBAN, June 15 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar’s press secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah today apologised to the Undang Yang Empat over his use of a title associated with the Undang institution during the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Negeri Sembilan election machinery on Friday.

Ahmad Shahir said that as a Negeri Sembilan native who holds the state’s customs, culture and the Undang institution in high regard, he viewed the use of the title “Dato’ Undang” seriously as it involved the sensitivities of the Adat Perpatih institution, which should be respected by all parties regardless of political affiliation.

“I would like to begin by apologising to the Undang Yang Empat for my remarks made in jest with DAP secretary-general and Seremban MP Anthony Loke, in which I referred to a title used for him on social media, namely “Tok Undang”.

“Following this lapse in judgment, I acknowledge my mistake and hope the matter will help clear up any misunderstanding that has arisen,” he said in a statement here.

He said PH remained committed to respecting and upholding the dignity of the Undang institution as a valuable heritage that forms part of Negeri Sembilan’s identity and pride. — Bernama 

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are pushing for legislation that would require devices like smart glasses to visually indicate when they’re recording.

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SEREMBAN, June 4 — The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly, which has 36 seats, will be officially dissolved tomorrow to pave the way for the upcoming State Election (PRN).

The announcement was made by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun during a special press conference at his official residence here tonight, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the timing of the assembly’s dissolution.

Aminuddin said the dissolution was carried out after obtaining the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, during an audience at Istana Besar Seri Menanti earlier today. — Bernama

No 10 is worried about retaliation from White House over restrictions on under-16s’ internet use

Ministers have embarked on a concerted lobbying operation to prevent a backlash from the Trump administration to the under-16s social media ban announced by Keir Starmer.

Officials said they had spent weeks trying to reassure senior Trump officials and the US president himself that the restrictions were not specifically aimed at US technology companies.

Canadian lawmakers have introduced the Safe Social Media Act, which proposes to ban children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts.

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China dominates the consumer drone market, so it is perhaps surprising that it is no longer possible to fly or even purchase a drone in Beijing.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has today announced that under-16s in the U.K. are to be banned from social media.

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Juhele_CZ posted a photo:

Roman Theatre of Orange (French: Théâtre antique d'Orange); evening walk in Orange
author: Jan Helebrant
location: Orange, Vaucluse, France
remark: GPS location not always precise
www.juhele.blogspot.com
license CC0 Public Domain Dedication