Teenagers launch legal challenge over Australia's ban on social media for children
Two 15-year-olds and the Digital Freedom Project argue the social media ban infringes on constitutional free political communication rights and disproportionately impacts vulnerable youth.
- From December 10, the law will bar children under 16 from holding accounts on ten social media firms including Meta's Instagram, TikTok and Snap's Snapchat.
- Communications Minister Anika Wells says the Australian government aims to protect children from harmful content and online predators, while officials test age-verification technology amid doubts about effectiveness.
- Platforms must use age checks and AI detection and behavioural analysis to stop under-16s, facing fines up to $49.5m for non-compliance.
- Families face disruption as an estimated 150,000 Facebook, 350,000 Instagram, and 400,000 Snapchat users under 16 may lose access, with parents preparing to save memories and plan activities.
- Two teenagers have launched a High Court challenge arguing the ban ignores children's rights, while Communications Minister Anika Wells says, `We stand firm on the side of parents and not on the platforms,` and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant faces international scrutiny.
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Australian teen challenging social media ban says internet will be less safe
SYDNEY, Dec 2 - A teenager suing the Australian government to overturn a ban on social media for under-16s says the measure would make the internet more dangerous for young people and be widely circumvented. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Business - World governments eye Australian social media ban as they plan their own
Australian children brace for an upcoming social media ban on under-16s as governments around the world consider their own restrictions in a bid to protect youngsters' mental health. Also in this edition:…
Uganda: Teens Launch High Court Challenge to Australia's Social Media Ban
Australia's landmark social media ban for children is being challenged in the nation's highest court, with two teenagers alleging the law is unconstitutional as it robs them of their right to free communication.
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