Australia has taken a bold step in regulating social media usage among its youth by passing a new law that bans children under the age of 16 from accessing popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This landmark legislation comes after a heated national debate and positions Australia as a frontrunner in stringent Big Tech regulations globally.
Under the new law, major tech companies including Meta (the parent company of Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok are required to prevent minors from logging into their platforms. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines reaching up to AU$49.5 million (approximately $32 million USD).
To ensure the effective implementation of this ban, a trial phase will commence in January, allowing authorities to test enforcement mechanisms. The full-scale ban is set to take effect a year later, aiming to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young Australians in the digital age.
The move reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on children, sparking conversations on digital safety and the responsibilities of tech giants in protecting vulnerable users.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
