Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s Without Parental Exemptions in World-First Legislation

Nov 7, 2024, 03:00 AM

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce legislation that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, without exemptions even for those with parental consent. The proposed law, which the government describes as 'world-leading,' aims to protect young people from online harms, citing concerns over mental health and online safety. Albanese stated, 'Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it,' emphasizing the need for action. Social media companies like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram will be required to verify users' ages and enforce the age limit, with possible fines for non-compliance. The legislation, approved by the cabinet on Monday, is expected to be introduced later this month. If passed, Australia would become the first country in the world to implement such a ban.