Australia begins enforcing world-first teen social media ban
Summary
Australia has become the first country to ban social media use for children under 16, targeting platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The new law aims to reduce online harms to young teens and enforces hefty fines for non-compliance.
Key Points
- Australia has banned social media access for children under 16 to curb online harms such as bullying and misinformation.
- Major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X must block underage users or face fines up to A$49.5 million.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the law a significant social and cultural change for the nation.
- The law has faced criticism from technology companies and free speech advocates but has support from parents and child advocates.
