Australia’s new law bans social media for children under 16, with fines up to A$49.5M for non-compliant platforms. The move sparks debate on children’s online safety, with some countries considering similar measures, as tech companies and free-speech advocates raise concerns about feasibility and free speech.
Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, with the new law taking effect on December 10. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 requires social media platforms to remove users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). This move has sparked a global debate on the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being.
The ban applies to 10 major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick. These platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from having accounts, with non-compliance resulting in hefty fines. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has begun deactivating accounts of users under 16, with hundreds of thousands of accounts already removed.
The Australian government argues that the ban will protect children from online harms, including bullying, body image issues, and addictive algorithms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the ban, comparing it to the legal drinking age, and emphasizing its societal benefits. The government has also announced plans to monitor the impact of the ban and make adjustments as needed.
However, the ban has faced criticism from tech companies and free-speech advocates. Reddit has filed a lawsuit against the Australian government, arguing that the ban infringes on free political communication. Other platforms, including X and YouTube, have expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing the ban.
The ban has also sparked a mixed reaction from parents and children. While some parents welcome the ban as a tool to curb social media overuse, others worry that it may exclude children from social interactions. Many children have posted farewell messages on social media, with some expressing shock and apprehension about the ban.
The Australian government’s move has inspired other countries to consider similar measures. Denmark, Malaysia, and New Zealand are among the countries exploring social media bans for children. The European Union has also passed a resolution to adopt comparable measures.
As the debate continues, questions remain about the effectiveness of the ban and its potential impact on children’s online safety. Will the ban achieve its i
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