Summary
In Australia, social media companies have removed about 4.7 million accounts that belonged to children under 16. This action follows a new law that bans users younger than 16 from using social media platforms. The law aims to improve child safety online and could lead other countries to adopt similar measures.
Key Facts
- Australia has banned social media use for children under 16.
- Social media companies have removed or restricted about 4.7 million accounts linked to children.
- The ban applies to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with potential fines for non-compliance.
- The law was enacted due to concerns about online safety and harmful content.
- Companies verify users' ages through ID checks, technology estimates, or data analysis.
- Meta removed 550,000 accounts from its platforms shortly after the ban started.
- The initiative has sparked interest from other countries, such as Denmark.
- Australia reported high compliance with the ban by major social media platforms.
