Summary
In Australia, social media companies have restricted access to about 4.7 million accounts after a ban on users under 16 took effect. The law aims to protect children from harmful online interactions and applies to major platforms like Facebook and TikTok, with hefty fines for non-compliance. The ban has sparked discussions around child safety and privacy.
Key Facts
- Australia banned people under 16 from using social media platforms.
- Social media companies removed or restricted access to approximately 4.7 million accounts.
- The law applies to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
- Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million).
- Platforms must verify age through methods like identification documents or age estimation technology.
- About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15 years old.
- The ban is intended to prevent harmful online environments for young people.
- The move has led other countries, like Denmark, to consider similar bans.
