Sydney, Dec. 10
Australia has become the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, ushering in a new era of digital regulation.
At the stroke of midnight, ten major platforms—including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick—were legally bound to block underage users. Companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) for non-compliance, under the oversight of the eSafety Commissioner.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the law as “a victory for families over big tech,” citing concerns about cyberbullying, addictive use, and mental health. Parents and child advocates welcomed the move, while tech firms and free speech groups criticized it as heavy-handed and difficult to enforce.
In the hours before the ban, Australian teenagers flooded platforms with farewell posts, lamenting the loss of digital spaces that shaped their social lives. The ban is being closely watched worldwide, with speculation that similar age-based restrictions could spread to other nations.
(Source – Reuters)
—Owned Sources
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