Australia enforces a world-first social media ban for children under 16, with platforms facing fines up to AUD 49.5 million for breaches
CANBERRA: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a world-first social media ban for under-16s will ensure children have a childhood.
Albanese wrote to state and territory leaders on Tuesday thanking them for supporting the ban, which takes effect on Wednesday.
He acknowledged the reform would require some adjustment in the short term.
“This is the cultural change Australia needs to deliver greater peace of mind for parents and ensure Australian children have a childhood,” he wrote.
Laws passed by federal parliament in November require certain platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from having accounts.
Ten platforms have been instructed to enforce the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit.
Authorities may update the list as needed.
In a video message for schools, Albanese said the change supports children growing up with algorithms, endless feeds, and pressure.
Neither children nor parents will be punished for breaching the ban, with enforcement placed entirely on platforms.
Platforms with serious or repeated breaches face fines up to AUD 49.5 million.
The government accepts age assurance technology will take time to identify all underage accounts. – Bernama-Xinhua
