Today’s news / Australia adopts social media ban for minors
Elon Musk, who owns the social media X, is one of those who has criticized the proposed law to ban social media for young Australians. (Archive photo). Photo: William West/Ritzau Scanpix

Australia adopts social media ban for minors

The Australian Parliament has passed a law prohibiting social media usage for individuals under the age of 16, according to AFP. This makes it the world’s first such restriction. The law received support in the House with 102 for and 13 against, and in the Senate with 34 for and 19 against. Tech giants like Meta must take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent young Australians from holding accounts. The law is expected to be in effect by late 2025, with potential fines for non-complying tech companies up to 49.5 million AUD. Critics, including billionaire Elon Musk, argue the law serves as a backdoor to internet access control in Australia. However, not all social media platforms fall under this ban. The legislation has gotten mixed responses; the Australian Human Rights Commission says it could protect youth from social media’s adverse effects but also limit their human rights.