Australia is set to become the first country to ban social media access for children under 16, with PM Anthony Albanese calling it a 'world-leading' effort to protect young people from online harms. The proposed laws, which could take effect by late 2025, would use biometric scans or government IDs to enforce age verification.
Why the Ban?
Albanese cited rising mental health risks linked to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, especially for teens navigating body image issues or toxic content. 🧠 \"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I'm calling time on it,\" he said, emphasizing no exceptions—even with parental consent.
Tech Pushback
Major platforms, represented by DIGI, argue the ban could push teens to unregulated corners of the internet. \"This is a 20th-century response to 21st-century challenges,\" said DIGI managing director Sunita Bose, advocating for digital literacy instead.
Global Context
While France and the U.S. have softer rules (like parental consent), Australia’s plan is the strictest yet—raising the bar for digital regulation worldwide. Will this spark a global trend? 🌍
