Australia Bans Social Media
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Australia recently passed a groundbreaking law banning individuals under the age of 16 from using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. This legislation, signed on November 28, 2024, is aimed at addressing the growing concerns about social media’s impact on the mental and physical health of young people. The law is set to be implemented in 12 months, allowing time for the development and testing of age-verification technologies.
The legislation comes in response to studies linking social media use with increased rates of mental health issues among youth, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Platforms that fail to enforce the age limit could face fines of up to USD 32 million. YouTube is excluded from the ban due to its educational value.
The move has sparked global debate, with some applauding it as a necessary measure for protecting children, while others question its feasibility and potential unintended consequences.
