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.
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