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2h ago

EU Backs Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Law as Regulator Presses 16 More Platforms to Self-Assess

With a December 10 start date approaching, enforcement will prioritize higher‑risk services and age checks may use AI‑based estimation rather than blanket ID demands.

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Emma Mason leads a ceremony in New York attended by high-level European leaders, urging them to ban children from social media.
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Overview

  • At a UN side event, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised Australia’s approach as “plain common sense” and said Europe would study its implementation.
  • eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has asked an additional 16 services — including WhatsApp, Discord, Twitch, Reddit, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam, Kick, Match Group, GitHub and Lego Play — to justify whether they fall under the law or qualify for an exemption.
  • The regulator plans to focus early compliance on the largest platforms, can levy fines up to AU$49.5 million for failures, and says it will look for systemic non‑compliance rather than pursue blanket action on day one.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promoted the policy in New York, while the government signaled support for AI and behavioral signals to estimate user age instead of universal ID checks.
  • X has called for a delay and raised human‑rights concerns, as Roblox argues it is exempt as an online game and has separately agreed to strengthen protections against grooming in Australia.