Summary
Australia has enforced a ban on social media access for children under 16 years old, leading to the removal of around 4.7 million accounts across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. This measure aims to protect young people from online harm, with companies facing heavy fines if they do not comply. Social media firms are now focusing on preventing new accounts from being made by those under 16.
Key Facts
- Australia removed access to 4.7 million social media accounts for users under 16.
- The ban applies to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.
- Companies could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) for non-compliance.
- 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15.
- The law does not apply to messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
- Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, removed over 544,000 under-16 accounts in Australia.
- The ban aims to protect children from online dangers like cyberbullying and sexual predators.
- Social media firms are required to focus on preventing the creation of new accounts by under-16s.
