15 Tech Executives Urge Under-16 Social Media Curbs as AI Deepens Safety Fears
Updated
Updated · TIME · Jun 23
15 Tech Executives Urge Under-16 Social Media Curbs as AI Deepens Safety Fears
3 articles · Updated · TIME · Jun 23
Summary
Fifteen tech and business leaders meeting in Cannes said efforts to build a healthier digital world for Gen Z and Gen Alpha led to a broader conclusion: today’s online environment is unhealthy for all ages.
Bill Ready, Pinterest’s CEO, argued governments should ban social media for under-16s and said platforms should curb infinite scroll, algorithmic suggestions and default messaging from strangers, warning AI chatbots are adopting the same attention-hacking tactics.
A quick poll of the room found unanimous support for redesigning infinite scroll and blocking stranger DMs; most also opposed public accounts and location tracking as defaults, while views were more split on likes and push notifications.
Speakers also stressed trade-offs: Alphonzo Terrell said social platforms still provide belonging for marginalized users, while Yondr founder Graham Dugoni pushed for more phone-free spaces to reduce constant filming and anxiety.
The debate comes as Australia has already begun an under-16 ban, the U.K. plans one for 2027, and nearly 40 other countries are weighing similar laws even as executives admit the attention economy still fuels their businesses.
With youth social media bans proving ineffective, what is the real solution for online safety?
As AI adopts social media's addictive designs, are we prepared for the next mental health crisis?
Can tech's profitable 'attention economy' be redesigned for user well-being without collapsing?
The 2026 Surge in Under-16 Social Media Bans: Global Trends, AI Threats, and Implementation Challenges
Overview
As of mid-2026, a major global movement is pushing to restrict or ban social media access for children under 16, driven by rising concerns about youth mental health and the changing digital world. The UK leads this effort, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing a comprehensive ban and exploring extra safeguards to protect children online. This reflects a broader societal reckoning with how digital platforms affect young people. While the UK shows strong commitment, the government also recognizes that such bans come with challenges and costs, highlighting the complex balance between protection and practical implementation.