US EditionAustralia's world-first social media ban for under-16s comes into effect
Australia's law requires 10 major social media apps to block under-16 accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million, aiming to protect children's mental health from online harms.
- On Wednesday, Australia implemented a world-first law banning under-16s from holding social media accounts, deactivating more than 1 million accounts across 10 platforms including Facebook and TikTok.
- Citing child welfare concerns, Australian officials argued the law aims to protect children, with the Australian federal parliament passing the bill in last year, following a study on social media use.
- Under the law, platforms must take `reasonable steps` to block under-16s, face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, and Meta will start closing accounts on Dec. 4.
- Two 15-year-olds have mounted a High Court challenge arguing the law robs 2.6 million young Australians of an implied freedom, while Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government will defend the measure and not be intimidated.
- Tech companies say the ban could drive users to darker corners of the internet, platforms warn young users may turn to unregulated apps or VPNs, polling shows 73 percent support but only 26 percent confidence, and other countries are watching.
273 Articles
273 Articles
Australia's social media ban for users under 16 starts now
Eyes around the world are turned to Australia as its world-first ban on social media for users under age 16 takes effect. The tough new law aims to block Australian children and younger teens from addictive platforms and harmful content online.
Australia will implement the ban on all social networks for children under the age of 16, this Wednesday, December 10th. A measure welcomed with relief by many parents that several countries of the world...
Australia bans social media such as Tiktok and Instagram for under 16-year-olds. Accounts must be deleted.
Slog AM: Australia Kicks Kids Off Social Media, More Rain Is Coming to Seattle, Trump Bails Out Farmers
The Stranger's Morning News Roundup by Megan Seling About That Weather: Monday’s heavy rain was just the beginning. Rivers are flooding all over Western Washington—the Snohomish River is expected to reach a record high—and the Seattle Times says a “stronger surge of subtropical moisture is on track to arrive Tuesday night.” Keep your phones charged, make some hot chocolate, and get comfortable, it’s gonna be a wet night. Get ‘Em, Valdez: Seattle…
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