US EditionAustralia's world-first social media ban for under-16s comes into effect
Australia's law requires major social platforms to block under-16 accounts using age verification or face fines up to A$49.5 million, aiming to protect youth safety online.
- 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.
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241 Articles
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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…
Tech companies that do not comply with the rule could face serious fines.
Australia introduces world-first social media ban for children under 16, starting Wednesday
It bars children younger than 16 from holding accounts with Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch. The platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
Australia has become the first country in the world to ban the use of social media by children...
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