Global Scans · Social media · Weekly Summary

• For the past several years, regulators around the world have pressured social media companies to make platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok safer for children, or risk facing stringent measures, including bans. CNA
• Pakistan on Wednesday urged Google to proactively monitor social media for militant propaganda and harmful content, saying extremist groups were using online platforms to spread fear as the country battles persistent militant violence. Counter Extremism Project
• As for the new daily time limit for teen users, that will be reduced to one hour of total daily use should other social media platforms like TikTok, Snap and YouTube also agree to implement new restrictions for young users. BBC News
• A major legal case brought by 29 US states against Meta has begun, which could affect the way social media companies operate in the future. BBC
• Platforms offering social media, gaming, livestreaming, or AI chatbot services to younger users should monitor developments closely, particularly given the spring 2027 target date. Morrison Foerster
• In June, the United Kingdom's government announced plans to ban under-16s from social media platforms with the restrictions expected to take effect in spring 2027. Al Jazeera
• A new law announced in the United Arab Emirates will prohibit social media platforms from offering their services to children under the age of 15, as well as imposing specific obligations on platforms, regulators and caregivers. Pinsent Masons
• Between 2024 and 2028, the overall number of social media users in the U.S. is projected to increase by 22.8 million people, representing a growth rate of 7.4%. Straits Research
• Fastest-growing Service Type: Social media marketing is likely to be the fastest-growing segment through 2033, fueled by the skyrocketing popularity and usage of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Persistence Market Research
• The Australian social media ban might be more effective in preventing or delaying access to social media in children under eight, rather than restricting access to adolescents who already use it. The Guardian
• Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. ACOFP ORG
• In 2026, leading CRM software insurance platforms will use AI to consolidate and analyze data from IoT devices, wearables, social media, etc., to get a detailed view of their customers. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• Peru's front-of-package warning labels system mandates brands to display their warning labels across all advertising platforms - including television, social media, and radio broadcasting. CNS Media
• The European Commission is working on its own regulations to protect young people from social media across Europe, and it will have a say on whether the French bill respects existing EU legislation. Pierstone
• The United Kingdom will institute a full social media ban for under-16s in 2027. The National
• Social media users are predicted to reach 331.09 million, setting a new record in 2028. / USA Straits Research
• A legislation to ban social media for children under 15 would go into effect in 2027. / Canada WIRED Middle East
• The UK Government has announced plans to ban under-16s from using certain social media platforms from Spring 2027, marking a major escalation in the regulation of online safety. REG Technologies
• The UK's proposed restrictions on VPNs and social media for under-16s could have global implications, following similar moves in Utah and raising concerns about privacy and online access. Yahoo News
• The companies that will win at social media in 2026 and beyond are not the ones that use the most AI. Picmim Blog
• In spring 2027 it will bring in a social media ban for under-16s, which will include platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. / UK The Guardian

Last updated: 21 September 2026