Australia on Wednesday became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access to platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook.
Ten of the biggest platforms were ordered to block children from midnight on Wednesday or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million) under the new law, which drew criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by parents and child advocates.
The ban is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s health and safety.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “a proud day” for families and cast the law as proof that policymakers can curb online harms that have outpaced traditional safeguards.
“This will make an enormous difference. It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced,” Albanese told a news conference on Wednesday.
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“It’s a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world.”