Australia may ban social networks Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube for children under 16

By: Nastya Bobkova | 07.11.2024, 11:30
Australia may ban social networks Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube for children under 16

Australia proposes to ban social media for children under the age of 16.

Here's What We Know

The Prime Minister of the country, Anthony Albanese, said that social media platforms must comply with the new rules, otherwise they face a fine.

According to Albanese, social media is harmful to children, and the government must take steps to protect them.

The new bill puts the onus on social media, not parents or young people, and provides for fines for companies that fail to enforce age restrictions.

The prime minister acknowledged that these laws would not solve the problem immediately, but would be an important step in the fight against digital threats.

According to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, the ban will apply to Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

The head of security at Meta, Antigone Davis, confirmed the company's readiness to support age restrictions, but noted that it is also important to discuss protection mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the innovations.

Source: Bloomberg