Australia plans to ban Social Media use for children

The Australian government has introduced a bill to parliament aimed at banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. If passed, the law will prevent children from accessing many popular platforms.

According to the proposed bill, Australians under the age of 16 will not be allowed to create accounts on major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Reddit—even with parental consent.

Users who violate this ban could face penalties amounting to AU$50 million (approximately US$32.5 million).

Major tech companies, including Meta, TikTok, and Google, have strongly criticized the proposed Australian law, which seeks to block children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.

Meta and Google have urged the Australian government to delay passing the bill until a national trial for age verification technology is completed.

Elon Musk’s company X/Twitter expressed significant concerns about the bill, stating it has serious reservations about its legality and might challenge the law in court if enacted.

The proposed law reflects a growing concern over child safety on social media, but it also raises questions about practicality and fairness. Striking a balance between protecting children and respecting digital rights remains a challenging task.

If implemented, this law could set a precedent for other countries considering similar measures. However, it will be crucial for the Australian government to address the concerns of tech companies and legal experts to ensure the legislation is both effective and enforceable.

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