Summary
Australia has made it illegal for children under 16 to use social media platforms, aiming to protect young users from harmful content. This new law involves fines for major social media companies that do not comply. The law has received mixed reactions from different groups.
Key Facts
- The ban applies to children under 16 using social media platforms in Australia.
- Companies face fines of $33 million if they do not remove users under 16.
- The banned platforms include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit.
- Some apps, like Roblox and WhatsApp, are currently not included in the ban.
- The law has received backlash from tech companies and free speech advocates.
- Some parents and child advocates support the ban for protecting children.
- Social media companies need to verify users' ages, possibly using AI or IDs.
- Other countries, like Malaysia, are considering similar restrictions.
