Why 2026 World Cup is when AI becomes the interface between fans and football June 21, 2026 The 2026 World Cup is the first AI-shaped major sports event and will change football fandom forever. Jon Williams outlines what sponsors, broadcasters and brands need to do about it. Football, like the creative advertising business I work in, thinks the biggest gains from AI are operational – speed, efficiency, and more. They’re not. AI’s [...]
Children as young as 14 are being targeted by unregulated gambling firms on social media June 16, 2026 Children as young as 14 are being targeted by unregulated gambling firms, with AI-generated tipsters, influencers and the manosphere blamed for exploiting teenagers on social media. Over 30 unregulated gambling sites – such as Stake and Rainbet – are accused of targeting UK users primarily aged 14-25, according to new data collected last month by [...]
Tiktok falls under ban just as brands ramp up ad spend June 16, 2026 Tiktok’s UK ad business has been growing 40 per cent year on year, with brands increasing spending ahead of what the firm expected to be its biggest trading period on record. But that momentum now faces a test after Keir Starmer confirmed plans to plan under-16s from accessing the platform. The social media giant, which [...]
I’m a digital strategist, here’s why I’m worried about social media June 16, 2026 The political figures who perform best on social media are also the most polarising, writes Josh Coupland I’m a digital native who grew up as social media took hold. Old enough to remember a time at school before social media existed, but young enough to remember countless tales of fellow students being bullied, harassed and [...]
Social media ban may push children to ‘darker corners of the internet,’ lawyers warn June 15, 2026 Sir Kier Starmer’s announcement to ban social media for under-16s on Monday morning may create privacy issues for children and encourage them to use less regulated platforms, legal experts have warned. Speaking at Downing Street on Monday, the Prime Minister said social media platforms are harming children’s wellbeing and making it easier for their mental [...]
UK social media ban blow to sports rights holders using TikTok and YouTube June 15, 2026 The UK’s incoming social media ban for under-16s will be a blow to sports rights holders and wider marketing strategies, experts have warned. The government on Monday announced that there will be a ban on social media for those aged 16 and under from next year – covering the likes of X, TikTok, Twitch and [...]
VPN demand rockets as UK prepares for under-16 social media ban June 15, 2026 Searches for VPNs jumped 165 per cent overnight after the government confirmed plans to ban under-16s from social media, fuelling demand for digital workarounds. The rush came within hours of Keir Starmer unveiling one of the world’s toughest online safety regimes, which will block social media platforms from offering services to under-16s and introduce wider [...]
‘Protecting children is right’: Starmer takes on Big Tech with social media ban for under-16s June 15, 2026 Keir Starmer has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, arguing that platforms are harming children’s wellbeing and fuelling a generation of unhealthy online habits. The Prime Minister said social media was making children “unhappy”, making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse young people and potentially damaging their mental health. Speaking at [...]
2026 World Cup: Why YouTube and TikTok could re-write Fifa’s revenue playbook June 12, 2026 The 2026 World Cup could erode the price that Fifa can command for its media rights as YouTube and TikTok compete directly with traditional broadcasters, analysts have warned. This World Cup, which kicked off last night, is the first in which YouTube and TikTok will both stream the first 10 minutes of every game and [...]
Bluesky bets on the end of X and Meta’s social media grip June 2, 2026 Social media is moving beyond platforms controlled by a “few billionaires”, according to Bluesky’s chief operating officer, as governments in the UK and Europe step up scrutiny of X, Meta, and other Big Techs. Speaking at SXSW London, Rose Wang said Bluesky was built in response to a social media market dominated by a handful [...]