Australian government publications or reputable news outlets

Australia Proposes Ban on Social Media for Children Under 16 Amid New Duty of Care Regulations

Nov 13, 2024, 09:43 PM

The Australian government is set to introduce a series of stringent measures aimed at regulating social media and tech companies. The proposed legislation includes a social media ban for children under the age of 16, a move that has been described as a 'momentous step' by experts. Additionally, the new bill will grant the media watchdog more power to compel tech companies to address disinformation. The legislation will also impose a 'duty of care' on social media companies to ensure the safety of Australians online. These measures are part of the center-left Labor administration's broader effort to crack down on social media and enhance online protection for its citizens. Although the blanket social media bans for under 16s are being met with resistance with evidence-based approaches.