AUSTRALIA BANS CHILDREN UNDER 16 FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Australia has implemented a ban, prohibiting children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. 

The law, which became active on December 9, targets ten of the world’s largest services, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, with companies facing substantial fines for non-compliance.

The government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, argues that drastic action is necessary to shield young people from harmful content and predatory algorithms linked to bullying, sexual exploitation and violence. 

To enforce the age restriction, platforms are mandated to use verification technologies such as facial recognition or government-issued identification. The affected list also includes Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, Threads and X, while apps like WhatsApp and Roblox are currently exempt but subject to future review.

The policy has ignited controversy. While supported by many parents and child safety advocates, it faces opposition from tech companies and digital rights groups. Critics, including YouTube, label the legislation “rushed,” warning it could drive youthful users toward less regulated corners of the internet. Legal challenges are anticipated, with organisations like the Digital Freedom Project already mounting efforts to contest the ban.

Australian officials say the system will not be foolproof initially and expect some teenagers will find ways to bypass the controls. The global community is closely observing this experiment, with countries including Malaysia, Denmark and several U.S. states reportedly considering similar age-based restrictions.