'I'll still use it' vows youth, as Australia's under-16 social media ban sparks anger and relief

Countries including France and some US states have passed laws to restrict access for minors without a parent's permission, but the Australian ban is absolute

The law forces tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta Platforms (META.O) to TikTok to stop minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million. A trial of enforcement methods will start in January, with the ban to take effect in a year.

Australians reacted on Friday with a mixture of anger and relief to a social media ban on children under 16 that the government says is world-leading, but which tech giants like TikTok argue could push young people to "darker corners of the internet".

Australia approved the social media ban for children late on Thursday after an emotive debate that has gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.