Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: In the years to come, social commerce will become more widespread and the level of personalization will improve with advanced AI solutions & chatbots. The number of worldwide social media users is projected to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion by 2018.

• [New] The UK Government has announced that it plans to introduce a total ban on access to social media for children under 16. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] From 2027, under-16s would be banned from social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X and Instagram. The Week
• [New] This week, the UK announced a wide-ranging ban on social media that will soon block users from communicating or accessing information on apps such as X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat unless they prove that they are over the age of 16. The Guardian
• [New] One of the biggest emerging questions about the UK's social media ban is how it will be enforced. BBC News
• [New] Under-16s will lose access to social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, while the minimum age for chatbots that imitate romantic interactions will be raised to 18. Wired
• [New] Prime Minister Keir Starmer has today announced a Australian-style ban for Teenagers under the age of 16 from accessing high-risk social media apps while safer platforms will be subjected to restrictions. Inforrm's Blog
• [New] White House displeasure over the prospect of an under-16 social media ban will not deter the UK from cracking down on tech platforms. The Guardian
• [New] Using social media influencers on Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and Twitch with existing large platforms and follower bases could help amplify messages. Centre for European Reform
• [New] Social media health influencers and TikTok doctors generate high engagement but low clinical credibility, creating positioning risks for healthcare organizations. TopDoctor Magazine
• [New] The global reach of social media means that even localized incidents (e.g. handset privacy concerns, app vulnerabilities) can snowball into PR crises. Risk Intelligence Service
• [New] We are sharing threat indicators so that anyone can check if they were targeted by NSO-linked social engineering attempts across any platform - be it text message, email, WhatsApp message, or something else. Meta Newsroom
• [New] Several hacks attributed to (or at least in part blamed on) Russia have risked real-world harm to communities and populations. TechCrunch
• [New] Connecticut officials are warning parents about dangerous online groups that exploit and manipulate young people through social media, chat apps and gaming platforms, urging families to stay engaged in their children's online activity. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] Israel insists it will keep troops across its borders until it's sure Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the US, is no longer a threat to its northern communities. Insurance Journal
• [New] Australians with disabilities could have their access to work and social life stripped away under sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Age
• [New] The key to strengthening CCE is by realizing the vision to create resilient communities that can adapt to the vulnerabilities posed by climate change. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] There is growing anxiety in the Australian community about a range of security threats. Welcome
• [New] Privacy in relation to access to data, cultural identity, and misinformation including deepfakes are all content issues that Canada's AI strategy will need to address. Hugh Stephens Blog
• [New] There are steps that the UK government could be taking now - from banning the use of social media for children and using Ofcom's powers to force social media firms to act. The Guardian
• [New] Texas communities face severe water shortages that threaten families, jobs and economic growth and should evaluate every available source of supply. Insurance Journal
• [New] Musk's track record of environmental conflicts at other sites he owns, from California to Texas to Germany, means the Memphis community is skeptical of SpaceX, despite the economic benefits the tax revenue and potential water-treatment plant could bring. Wired
• [New] Social commerce is the fastest-growing sales channel, with a 22.91% CAGR through 2031. Mordor Intelligence

Last updated: 22 June 2026