Australia Bans Social Media for Minors

Australia Bans Social Media for Under 16s

On Wednesday, Australia became the first country in the world to prohibit access to social media for minors under the age of 16. This landmark decision was hailed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a means to “regain control” in the face of the digital giants. “This is a world first… Australia has had enough. It’s about our families regaining control,” he stated during a speech announcing the law’s enactment.

A Ban Targeting Popular Platforms

The new legislation mandates that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, X, Threads, as well as streaming services Kick and Twitch, must block the creation of accounts for Australian users under 16 years old. These companies are also required to delete any existing accounts belonging to minors within this age group.

Protecting Youth from Harassment and Harmful Content

Australian authorities justify this measure by stressing the need to protect minors from online harassment and algorithms that might expose them to violent or sexual content. This decision aligns with a global trend aimed at better regulating young people’s access to digital platforms.

Severe Penalties for Offenders

Any platform failing to comply with this legislation faces fines of up to $33 million, sending a strong message to the tech industry regarding the seriousness of these regulations.

Legal Challenges Already Underway

However, the law is being challenged in the High Court of Australia. A civil rights group has filed a lawsuit, arguing that these measures infringe upon digital freedoms.