Australia to Enact World's First Under-16 Social Media Ban

Australia will become the first country to legally prohibit children under 16 from using social media platforms. The new law takes effect on December 10. The government says the ban will protect young people from online dangers. These risks include cyberbullying, sexual predators, harmful content, and addictive recommendation algorithms. App stores will be required to use age verification systems. Social media companies must also delete accounts held by underage users. Technology giant Meta has already begun this process. Companies that violate the rules face severe penalties, including fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (AUD). Many Australian parents support the policy. Other nations, including Malaysia and several European Union members, are now considering similar restrictions.