Social Media Ban: Protecting Children or State Overreach?

Should under-16s be banned from social media? With Keir Starmer unveiling plans for sweeping new restrictions on children’s access to social media, Britain is facing a major debate over online safety, parental responsibility, free speech and the role of Big Tech.Harrison Allman-Varty, Leader of Reform UK on Elmbridge Borough Council, reacts to the proposed ban and asks whether the Government is right to intervene or whether parents, not politicians, should be making these decisions.In a head-to-head debate, Ben Kingsley from SafeScreens argues the restrictions are needed to protect children from harmful content, addiction and online exploitation, while Jack Coulson warns the plans could set a dangerous precedent for privacy, freedom and state control of the internet.Meanwhile, Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn joins us after the United States and Iran announced a deal to end military operations, with Donald Trump declaring “let the oil flow”. We’ll discuss whether the ceasefire will hold, what it means for global stability and why oil prices have fallen sharply in response.Social media ban, under-16s, online safety, free speech, Big Tech, Trump, Iran ceasefire, Middle East conflict and oil prices. Should the Government decide what children can see online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.