The UK is moving to ban social media for under-16s

What’s being marketed as child protection is really a digital ID framework quietly being built into everyday online life.

Under the proposal, users could be required to verify their age through digital IDs, facial recognition, passports, or other approved methods before accessing major platforms. Opponents warn that once online activity is linked to real-world identity, anonymity disappears and monitoring becomes far easier.

The biggest question isn’t what happens in the UK. It’s what happens when governments around the world decide to copy it.

RED ALERT: The UK is moving to ban social media for under-16s, but critics say the real goal is something far bigger, an age-verification system that could tie internet access to digital identity.

What’s being marketed as child protection is really a digital ID framework quietly… pic.twitter.com/BcZdwgWX3T

— The Vigilant Fox ???? (@VigilantFox)June 15, 2026