Australia to Implement Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The proposed legislation aims to address online safety concerns and will require platforms to enforce age restrictions by 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns.
The legislation has bipartisan support and is expected to pass before the end of the year, with enforcement beginning in 2025.
Social media companies will be responsible for age verification, with potential fines for non-compliance, although specific enforcement methods are still under trial.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, among others, will be affected, but exemptions may be possible for low-risk services.
The initiative has received mixed reactions, with industry groups advocating for alternative approaches like digital literacy and age-appropriate spaces.