Australia Sets Bold Global Standard With Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Australia has taken a groundbreaking step in safeguarding young people online. The law bans children under 16 from using social media platforms. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to $32 million.

Australia has taken a groundbreaking step in safeguarding young people online, approving a historic law on Thursday that bans children under 16 from using social media platforms. This decision, made after a spirited national debate, is being celebrated as a forward-thinking move that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of the next generation.

The new Social Media Minimum Age Bill mandates that tech giants—from Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to TikTok—prevent minors under 16 from logging into their platforms. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial phase ...