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Social Media Ban

Australia is set to enforce a landmark ban on social media for children under 16 starting December 10, 2025, aimed at protecting young users from online dangers.

Overview of the Ban

The Australian government has introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which prohibits children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms. This legislation is a response to growing concerns about the mental health and safety of young Australians in the digital space, particularly regarding issues like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.

Affected Platforms
The ban will apply to several popular social media platforms, including:
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Snapchat
Reddit
Threads
X (formerly Twitter)
Twitch
Kick

These platforms must take reasonable steps to enforce the age restriction, or they risk facing fines of up to AU$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million) for non-compliance.

Enforcement and Compliance
Starting December 10, 2025, social media companies will be required to implement measures to prevent children under 16 from accessing their services. This includes removing existing accounts and preventing new ones from being created. The eSafety Commissioner will oversee compliance and issue penalties for violations.

Implications for Users
Children under 16 will not be able to access these platforms, and they are encouraged to download any important data before the ban takes effect. However, they will still be able to view publicly available content that does not require a login. Importantly, there are no penalties for children who attempt to bypass the ban; the responsibility lies with the platforms to enforce the rules.

Rationale Behind the Ban
The Australian government believes that this measure is crucial for safeguarding the mental health of children and teenagers, as studies have shown significant exposure to harmful online experiences among youth. The legislation aims to mitigate risks associated with social media, including cyberbullying and online predation.

This ban represents a significant step in regulating social media use among minors and reflects a growing trend among countries to impose age restrictions on digital platforms.

What are your thoughts?

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