The ban, among the toughest in the world, has broad public support but has been criticized by experts who say it could have unintended negative consequences.

Summary

Australia has passed a groundbreaking ban on social media use for children under 16, the strictest of its kind globally.

Platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit have one year to implement the age limit, with fines up to AU$50M for non-compliance.

Supporters cite mental health concerns, while critics argue the ban risks isolation for marginalized youth, lacks proper research, and excludes harmful platforms like 4chan.

Privacy concerns surround proposed age-verification methods. Opponents, including parents, scholars, and tech companies, argue the legislation is rushed and poorly designed, potentially exacerbating existing issues.

  • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip
    31·
    15 hours ago

    Exactly this. When I was in school, we had these things called firewalls. And as a kid, I knew exactly how to get around said firewalls and access whatever online content I wanted. So what’s going to stop the same thing from occurring on a national scale here? And with platforms like Fediverse and nostr, shit like this is completely unenforceable.