Thu Nov 07 02:16:33 UTC 2024: ## Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in World-First Move
Australia is set to become the first country to implement a complete ban on social media for children under 16 years old, with legislation expected to be introduced to parliament later this year. The law, which will come into effect 12 months after ratification, aims to protect young people from the perceived harms of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for action, stating “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it.” The government will place the onus on social media platforms to prevent access, rejecting exemptions for users with parental consent.
The ban has received broad bipartisan support in Australia, with similar attempts at curbing social media use among children underway in other countries. France has proposed a ban for under-15s with parental consent, while the US Surgeon General has called for warning labels on social media platforms highlighting their potential negative impacts on young people.
Despite the government’s commitment to the ban, experts have expressed skepticism about its enforceability, citing the limitations of existing age verification methods. The government has already demonstrated its commitment to regulating online platforms, recently introducing a “combating misinformation” bill aimed at holding tech companies accountable for online safety.
This move by Australia is likely to set a precedent for other nations grappling with the potential harms of social media on young people. It remains to be seen how effectively the ban can be implemented and whether it will achieve its goal of protecting children from the negative impacts of social media.
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