How can the EU make a social media ban a success?

How can the EU make a social media ban a success?

Author: BBC World Service September 17, 2026 Duration: 8:57

The European Union has announced plans for a social media ban for young people at the same time that tech bosses have backed restrictions for similar age groups. Luke Wilson hears from a researcher of Digital Child Futures about what makes a successful ban.

Plus, as Americans Todd Boehly and Mark Walter sell their stakes in Chelsea, where does this leave the football club?


Every weekday, the World Business Report from the BBC World Service cuts through the noise to deliver essential global business and finance intelligence. This isn't just a summary of market movements; it's a grounded analysis of the forces shaping economies, industries, and livelihoods across continents. You'll hear directly from the BBC's unparalleled network of correspondents, on the ground in financial hubs and emerging markets alike, providing context that turns headlines into understanding. Each episode focuses on the day's most pressing stories, from corporate mergers and policy shifts to technological disruptions and trade dynamics, all explained with the BBC's trademark clarity and depth. Tuning into this podcast means getting a truly international perspective, hearing how decisions in one corner of the world ripple out to affect prices, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere. It's designed for anyone who needs to grasp the interconnected nature of modern commerce, whether you're directly involved in the business world or simply want to comprehend the economic currents influencing daily life. The reporting is timely, authoritative, and always prioritizes factual accuracy, making it a reliable resource in a fast-changing landscape. For a concise yet comprehensive daily briefing on global economic affairs, the World Business Report delivers consistent insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

World Business Report
Podcast Episodes
El Nino causes the economy to heat up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
A strong weather system which causes the globe to heat up is already having an impact on business with the Panama Canal reducing the number of ships which can pass through and certain food prices in India risingJapan's i…
America's $40 trillion debt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:24
US government debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, raising fresh questions about America’s finances and the cost of borrowing. We also look at a new trade deal between Switzerland and China. And the workplace…
Moderna shares get a shot in the arm after cancer vaccine results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
Moderna shares soared more than 172% after strong results for its vaccine for melanoma skin cancer. Elsewhere, the Evergrande saga came to a dramatic conclusion in a Shenzhen court. And what will Walmart spend its $3 bil…
The economic cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledges that Ukrainian attacks and sanctions are affecting his country’s economy, while insisting there have been no critical consequences. In this special episode, we examine the ec…
US - Canada trade: Deal or No Deal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
The US has paused 50% tariffs on Canada, hours before they were due to come into effect as the countries firm up a trade deal. Donald Trump said a deal has been reached, but the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said t…
Meta on trial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:55
Tech giant Meta on trial over claims it deliberately keeps young people scrolling. Four US states are seeking billions of dollars from the company, as part of a wider case brought by 29 states.New trade tariffs set to be…
Is social media about to change forever? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta is heading into a legal battle against a group of US states that argue it deliberately designed its products to be addictive for younger users. It could pose the biggest thre…
50% Tariff Warning: The US-Canada Trade War Escalates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:48
The US has threatened Canda with a 50% tariff on goods, with billions of dollars of trade at stake. But can Canada persuade President Trump to change course? We take a look into the talks that have been happening so far.…
What a katsu curry can tell us about the Japanese economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:56
We speak to the creator of the Katsu Curry Index about what the price of the iconic Japanese dish can tell us about the yen, inflation and the country's tourism boom. Elsewhere we dig into the Chinese economic data relea…