Overview

• Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms, with the law passing on November 28, 2024.
• Social media companies face fines of up to $32 million if they fail to enforce the age restriction, which mandates 'reasonable steps' to verify users' ages.
• The law allows alternatives to ID verification, such as facial recognition technology, sparking privacy concerns over the use of sensitive biometric data.
• Critics warn the ban could lead to unintended consequences, such as driving teens to unregulated platforms or isolating them socially.
• Supporters argue the law sends a strong message to tech companies to prioritize child safety, though its effectiveness and implementation remain unclear.