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Australia has become the first nation to ban social media access for users under 16, effectively blocking platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Ten of the leading social media sites were instructed to prevent children from using their services starting at midnight (1:00 pm GMT on Tuesday), under threat of fines reaching up to A$49.5 million (approximately $33 million). The new legislation faced criticism from big tech firms and free speech advocates but garnered support from many parents and children’s rights advocates.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as “a proud day” for families and emphasized that it demonstrates how policymakers can address online risks that have grown faster than traditional safeguards. He stated, “This is the day Australian families are reclaiming power from these major tech companies.” He added, “While new technology is wonderful, we must ensure humans remain in control of their destiny, and that’s what this legislation is about.”
Ahead of the start of Australia’s summer school break later this month, Albanese recorded a video encouraging children to pick up a new sport, learn an instrument, or read that book they’ve been meaning to start. As the ban took effect, an estimated one million children began posting farewell messages to their online followers. Comments included sentiments like “No more social media… no more contact with the rest of the world,” and hashtagged messages such as “#seeyouwhenim16.”
This legislation concludes a year of intense debate over whether it’s even feasible to prevent children from accessing social platforms deeply embedded in everyday life. It’s also establishing a real-world test for governments frustrated by social media companies’ slow implementation of safety measures. The government, led by a center-left party, introduced the law citing research on mental health issues linked to excessive social media use among teens, such as misinformation, bullying, and body image concerns.
Various nations, including Denmark, New Zealand, and Malaysia, have indicated they may consider adopting or studying Australia’s approach, making it a significant testing ground for the extent to which governments can impose age restrictions without infringing on free expression or innovation.
In response, Elon Musk’s platform X announced on Wednesday that it would comply with the new law, becoming the last of the ten major social media platforms to take concrete steps to restrict underage access. X stated, “It’s not our choice — it’s what Australian law requires,” and that the platform automatically removes users who don’t meet age requirements.
Australia has said the list of platforms subject to these restrictions will evolve as new products launch and user behaviors shift. Companies plan to use a combination of methods to verify ages, including behavioral analysis, selfie-based estimations, uploaded identification, or linked bank information.
This regulation marks a significant shift for social media companies, highlighting the stagnation of user growth and reduced engagement, especially among younger audiences. Though many platforms claim they don’t profit substantially from advertising aimed at under-16s, they warn that the ban could disrupt the pipeline of future users. According to government data, 86% of Australians aged eight to 15 used social media just before the law was implemented.
Some young people expressed concerns that the social media restrictions could lead to increased isolation. Annie Wang, 14, noted, “It’s going to be worse for queer people and those with niche interests because that’s how they find their communities. For some, it’s also a way to vent or seek help, so while it might be okay for others, I worry it could harm mental health for some.”
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