Summary
Australia has enforced a law requiring social media companies to block users under 16 from having accounts. The eSafety Commissioner reports that social media platforms are reluctantly complying, with millions of children's accounts already shut down. The policy aims to protect children from harmful content, and other countries like the UK are considering similar measures.
Key Facts
- Australia's law bans users under 16 from having social media accounts.
- The eSafety Commissioner states platforms are unhappy about the ban but are complying.
- By this month, 4.7 million accounts belonging to children have been closed.
- Platforms like Meta acknowledge more protection for young people is needed but don't support a complete ban.
- The UK is looking into similar legislation for social media use by children under 16.
- Australia imposes fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
- Concerns exist that kids might switch to other less regulated platforms; however, no lasting increase in their use is noted.
- Australia's approach is the strictest worldwide, applying a higher age limit and no option for parental permission.
