Australia Leads The Charge: World-First Ban On Social Media For Kids Under 16

By -

In a landmark move, Australia’s Parliament has passed the world’s first law banning social media use for children under 16, signaling a major crackdown on tech companies. The new legislation, approved by the Senate late Thursday, aims to hold platforms accountable, with potential fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million) for non-compliance.

A Bold Step in the Digital Age

After months of public debate, the bill was fast-tracked through Parliament, passing both houses in just a week. The law mandates tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users, targeting platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the measure as a necessary step to combat the dangers of social media.

“Social media can be a weapon for bullies, a driver of anxiety, and a tool for predators,” Albanese said. “This law ensures our kids are better protected.”

Support and Backlash

The bill enjoyed broad support from the major opposition party, with Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic calling it a “pivotal moment” for the nation. “Big Tech’s unchecked power ends here,” she declared.

However, not everyone was on board. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young slammed the rushed process and the law’s potential fallout. “This is a disaster waiting to happen. Instead of making social media safer, we’re isolating young people further,” she warned.

Critics Sound the Alarm

The legislation’s rapid passage has drawn significant criticism. Public submissions were open for just 24 hours, and a Senate committee inquiry concluded in a single day. Despite this, over 100 submissions were received, many raising concerns about privacy risks and the feasibility of enforcement.

Tech giants have also voiced opposition. Snap Inc. suggested device-level age verification as the best solution, while Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, urged the government to await results from ongoing age-verification trials. Meta also highlighted the exclusion of platforms like YouTube and online gaming as a critical flaw.

Public Support and Next Steps

Despite the controversy, a recent YouGov poll found that 77% of Australians support the ban. The government will now consult with stakeholders before setting a definitive start date. Once enforced, all under-16 accounts on affected platforms will be deactivated, though parents and children won’t face penalties for violating the ban.

This groundbreaking law marks a turning point in the global conversation on social media’s impact on young users, positioning Australia as a leader in digital regulation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Israel Moves To Shut Down Al Jazeera After A New Law Permits The Banning Of International Media Deemed A security Threat

By -
Image
    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to shut down news network Al Jazeera following the passage Monday of a  sweeping law  allowing the government to ban foreign networks perceived as posing a threat to national security. Netanyahu said he intended “to act immediately in accordance with the new law” to stop the Qatari-based news outlet’s activity in the country, according to a post on social media platform X following the passage of the law. Al Jazeera Media Network, which has produced dogged, on the ground reporting of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza,  slammed the decision  in a statement, vowing it would not stop the network from continuing its “bold and professional coverage.” The new law gives the prime minister and communications minister authority to order the temporary closure of foreign networks operating in Israel – powers that rights groups say could have far-reaching implications on international media coverage of...
Read more

Kamala Harris Has More Billionaires Openly Backing Her Than Trump (But Many Are Staying Silent)

By -
Image
  Trump and Harris during their September presidential debate. Forbes found at least 100 billionaires in the corners of either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris—with many more backing Harris—but unlike the world’s richest man Elon Musk, who stumps extensively on Trump’s behalf, many have elected to watch from the sidelines, like Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg. Key Facts Our breakdown records 76 billionaires supporting Harris and 49 backing Trump so far (see the lists for both below). Many more billionaires may still financially back a candidate, but their donations won’t be learned until after the election, when final Federal Election Commission reports are issued in December. Billionaires leaning toward Harris may seem incongruous, since she often criticizes Trump for advocating for policies favorable toward billionaires—but there are practical reasons why the ultra wealthy may favor Harris. A  letter  signed by more than a dozen billionai...
Read more

Lando Norris: From Horseback To Pole Position - Inside The Rise Of F1's Newest Sensation

By -
Image
In the high-speed world of Formula 1, one name has been stealing the spotlight: Lando Norris. The Bristol-born 24-year-old has quickly become the poster boy for the sport, and his recent victory in Miami has propelled him to new heights, knocking reigning world champion Max Verstappen off the top of the podium. Norris's journey to F1 greatness has been nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings as a horse riding enthusiast to his meteoric rise through the ranks of motorsports, his story is as captivating as it is inspiring. Despite his early love for horseback riding, Norris found his true passion in motorsports, first on quad bikes and then in motorcross. It was clear from a young age that he had a natural talent for speed and adrenaline. Now, Norris stands as one of the most successful F1 drivers both on and off the racetrack. With a four-year contract worth an estimated £80 million and a string of luxury brand deals, he's living the high life both professionally...
Read more