Australia has passed a law banning social media accounts for children under 16, aimed at protecting mental health. The law, taking effect in 12 months, requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok to prevent underage users from signing up, with fines of up to $50 million AUD for non-compliance. Educational sites like YouTube and messaging apps like WhatsApp are exempt.
While the law doesn’t mandate government ID for age verification, tech companies have criticized it as unclear and impractical. A YouGov survey shows 77% of Australians support the measure, though similar efforts in Norway and Florida face challenges over free speech concerns.
Read more – https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/28/24308245/australia-bans-social-media-children-under-16
