Australia has enacted the world’s first nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, targeting ten major platforms and threatening steep fines for noncompliance.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Australia on Wednesday became the first country in the world to ban social media for users younger than 16, blocking access to ten of the most popular platforms.
Among the sites covered by the new law are X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, according to Reuters. Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to $49.5 million Australian dollars, equivalent to roughly $33 million U.S. dollars.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the measure is intended to protect young Australians from the psychological and social pressures of algorithm-driven content. In a video message scheduled to be shown in schools, Albanese encouraged children to “make the most of the school holidays coming up.”
“Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf,” he said. “And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face.”
The ban initially applies to ten social platforms, but the government said the list would evolve as new products and user behaviors emerge.
X, owned by Elon Musk, announced it would comply with the new law using age inference and age estimation technologies. These systems rely on behavioral data, uploaded selfies, or linked identification documents to determine a user’s age.
Musk criticized the policy, saying it “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.” Other major platforms have voiced similar concerns, arguing that the restrictions violate free expression and digital access rights.
Before the ban took effect, Australian officials said that 86 percent of children ages 8 to 15 used social media. The government framed the measure as a necessary step to counter what it described as a growing public health issue affecting youth attention, anxiety, and social development.
Australia’s move marks a significant precedent in global digital regulation, with other nations reportedly monitoring its rollout as a possible model for addressing the impact of social media on minors.
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