Australia to legislate social media ban for children under 16

Australian youths will have to be aged 16 or older to use online social networks, with the nation’s government planning to hold platforms responsible and accountable to ensure compliance.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discusses legislation that would male 16 years as a minimum age for children to use social media at a press conference (Mick Tsikas/AAP via AP)

Thu, 07 Nov, 2024 - 05:45

Rod McGuirk, Associated Press

The Australian government has announced what it described as world-leading legislation that would institute a minimum age for children using social media.
Australian youths will have to be aged 16 or older to use online social networks, with the nation’s government planning to hold platforms responsible and accountable to ensure compliance.

“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said.