Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media for Teens Under 16
Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting teenagers under 16 from creating social media accounts. The law mandates platforms to verify users' ages and imposes hefty fines for violations. The changes will take effect in a year.
In a historic move, Australian authorities have passed a law barring teenagers under 16 from joining social media platforms, even with parental consent. Platforms are required to implement strict age-verification systems or face fines of up to $32 million for non-compliance.
The law does not apply retroactively to existing accounts. Companies have one year to adapt to the regulations and develop necessary technologies.
Reactions to the law have been mixed. Proponents cite concerns about the rising rates of cyberbullying, digital addiction, and mental health challenges among teenagers. Critics argue the law could infringe on free expression rights and question its technical feasibility.
Supporters highlight the goal of protecting young minds from harmful online content, but skeptics question how age verification will be enforced without breaching user privacy.
Human rights organizations foresee legal challenges, as the penalties outlined in the law far exceed typical fines for similar infractions.
