Jack Anderson is a professor of sports law and global expert in governance, and regulation. He advises sporting bodies and contributes widely to public debate – as well as being a Limerick hurling supporter.
On Wednesday and in a world’s first, Australia implemented a social media ban for under-16s. The online safety law requires a dozen or so platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube etc) to take all reasonable measures to block younger users or face fines of up to €28million. Facebook and X/Twitter are also on the list but for most Australian teenagers, as probably in Ireland, such platforms are for the oldies; more Dead Sea scrolling than doom scrolling.
A number of EU countries, including Ireland, are keeping a watching brief on the Australian initiative. Already some practical issues have arisen.
This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in
Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.
Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.
