Children under 16 will no longer be able to use social media - Australia

Australia became the first country in the world to ban the use of social media by persons under the age of 16.

The Australian Parliament passed a law prohibiting minors under the age of 16 from using social media.

CNN reported that the Senate approved the law after several months of heated discussions.

According to the new law, technology companies must take "reasonable measures" to prevent minors from accessing social networks. Otherwise, they will be fined almost A$50 million ($32 million).

The ban is expected to affect Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter), but the list may be expanded. Polls show that 77% of Australians support a ban on access to social media for children under 16.

After the law is passed, the government is expected to hold consultations before setting the final date. Parents and children are not punished for violating the prohibition.

However, companies will have to prove that they have taken reasonable measures to prevent minors from accessing the social network so as not to be fined.

It should be recalled that earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the government is considering banning the use of Instagram and TikTok by children under 14−16.

"I want children to move away from their gadgets and go out to soccer fields, swimming pools and tennis courts. We want them to have real experience with real people," Albanese said.

Currently, Australia is one of the first countries in the world to introduce age restrictions on social media. Previously, the European Union's efforts in this regard were unsuccessful due to complaints about the restriction of the rights of minors.