United Kingdom, June 15 -- The UK will ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms under sweeping new measures announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The plans, among the toughest online safety restrictions proposed anywhere in the world, will also target gaming and livestreaming services that allow children to communicate with strangers.

Announcing the policy at a Downing Street press conference on Monday (15.06.26), Starmer said the changes reflected Britain's values and would help protect young people from the harms associated with excessive online use.

He said: "It is clear to me a full ban is the right choice.

"This will change the conversations that parents have and the expectations of children ...