Australia Bans Under-16s from Creating Social Media Accounts
Australia has passed a new law requiring social media companies to prohibit users under 16 from creating accounts. Similar legislation is being considered in the US Senate.
Why it matters
The new laws in Australia and the US reflect growing concerns about the negative effects of social media on children and adolescents, prompting regulatory action.
Key Points
- 1Australia has passed a law banning under-16s from creating social media accounts
- 2The law requires social media companies to enforce this age restriction
- 3Similar legislation is being discussed in the US Senate
Details
The new Australian law aims to protect minors from the potential harms of social media use. It mandates that social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, must verify the age of users and prevent those under 16 from creating accounts. This is part of a broader effort by regulators to address concerns around the impact of social media on young people's mental health and wellbeing. Lawmakers in the US are also considering implementing comparable restrictions, recognizing that current safeguards have been insufficient in shielding minors from the risks associated with unrestricted social media access.
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