UK's under-16 social media ban, and the first trillionaire
6/19/202632 min
Coming up, the UK follows Australia's lead in introducing age-related restrictions on social media. But do they work? Plus, how biologists are fighting infection from inside cells; researchers trace the origins of cotton to Mexico; and Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire. How might he spend his fortune? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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First 90 secondsChris Smith· Host0:02
All engine running.
Leo James· Guest0:03
[laughs] Absolute genius.
Chris Smith· Host0:04
Get this.
Leo James· Guest0:04
Welcome.
Vicky Pryce· Guest0:05
Welcome.
Chris Smith· Host0:05
[laughs] This is the show where we bring you science- What that essentially means is- Discovery- Advances ...
Vicky Pryce· Guest0:10
questions- Research- Technology- Unbelievable. Without further ado- This is The Naked Scientists.
Chris Smith· Host0:16
Hello. Welcome to The Naked Scientists podcast. This is the program that brings you the biggest breakthroughs and talks to the major movers and shakers in the worlds of science, technology, and medicine. With me, Chris Smith. Coming up, the UK follows Australia with a social media ban for the under 16s. But does this work? Also, scientists trace the history of cotton. Where did it come from in the first place? And the trillionaire club. Elon Musk sits by himself as the sole member at the moment, but how do you actually spend that much money? [upbeat music] The UK is following Australia in banning under 16s from accessing social media. The restrictions, which will come into force at the start of 2027, apply to platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, on top of limitations on live streaming and some AI chatbot functions for users who are under 18. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the move will help to give kids their childhood back and improve online safety. But the proposed policy has sparked a debate about whether it will improve