Google UK chief urges caution over social media ban for under-16s | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHolly WilliamsTuesday 31 March 2026 01:02 BSTMeta and YouTube found guilty on all counts in landmark trial that could reshape the future of social mediaGoogle UK's managing director, Kate Alessi, has stated that a blanket ban on social media for under-16s is not the "right approach," arguing it could push children to more dangerous online spaces and remove parental choice.Her comments come amid active government consultation in the UK regarding such a ban and follow a landmark US court case where Google and Meta were found liable for a woman's childhood social media addiction.Google, which owns YouTube, plans to appeal the U.S. court verdict, which ordered them to pay $6m (£4.6m) in damages for "deliberately designing addictive products."Despite opposing a ban, Ms Alessi emphasised the importance of "appropriate guardrails," highlighting YouTube's new features like timers and "Bedtime" functions to prevent addictive behaviours.Separately, Google announced a new community programme, "AI Works for Britain," launching pop-up hubs and university tours across the UK to boost AI knowledge and skills, supported by nearly £2 million in funding.In fullGoogle UK boss issues new warning over potential social media ban for under-16sThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in