Summary
Australia announced a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, starting December 10, 2023. The ban will require companies like Snapchat, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to prevent children from creating accounts. Australia's Communications Minister, Annika Wells, stated that the country would not be intimidated by tech firms or other nations' concerns about this measure.
Key Facts
- Australia will require ten social media companies to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts starting December 10, 2023.
- Companies affected include Snapchat, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Australia's Communications Minister, Annika Wells, supports the ban, citing concerns about online harm to children.
- The ban has drawn attention from other countries, with some expressing interest in similar measures.
- President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to stand up to countries enacting laws affecting U.S. tech companies.
- Australia's e-Safety Commissioner will oversee the enforcement of the social media ban.
- Some experts criticized the ban and proposed alternative solutions like better parental controls and digital education.
- Critics are concerned about the exclusion of online gaming platforms, such as Roblox, from the legislation.
