Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that social media platforms now have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children, as the country’s parliament passed a bill banning social media use for children under the age of 16 on Thursday.
Mr. Albanese said that the crackdown on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X will result in improved outcomes and reduced harm for young Australians.
He said that the law supports parents concerned about online harm to their children. Australia has set a benchmark by becoming the first country to implement a nationwide ban on social media platforms for children under 16.
The law includes strict penalties, with companies that fail to comply with age verification requirements potentially facing hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars. However, there are exemptions for messaging apps, online gaming platforms, and educational services.