Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s, Platforms Face Fines Up to 50 Million AUD

Nov 28, 2024, 04:00 PM

Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms, making it one of the world's toughest regulations targeting Big Tech. The legislation, approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, will require platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million USD). The law, which will come into effect in 12 months, aims to protect the mental health of young people by limiting their exposure to potential online hazards.