Chicago November 28, 2024
Australia has passed a new law that bans children under 16 from using social media. This decision comes after a heated debate and sets a tough example for other countries to follow. The law requires social media companies like Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, and others to stop minors from logging into their platforms.
If they fail to do so, they could face fines up to A$49.5 million (USD 32 million). The government plans to begin testing ways to enforce the ban in January, and the rule will officially take effect in a year.
This new law aims to protect young people’s mental health, as many worry that social media has a negative impact on kids and teens. The law could also spark tension between Australia and the United States. Elon Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter), has criticized the law, calling it a way to control internet access for all Australians.
Some companies, including Meta, TikTok, and X, argue that the law should wait until after a trial to test ways of verifying users’ ages. They believe rushing the law could cause problems. However, the government is moving forward with its plan, making Australia a leader in regulating social media use among young people.
Notably, Google’s YouTube is not affected by the law because it is commonly used for educational purposes in schools.
