Australia wants to ban social networks for teens under 16

Australia is implementing a strict policy to prohibit social media access for minors under the age of 16, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has termed as "world-leading". The government is developing an age-verification system to block minor users, with the ban potentially going into effect by the end of next year.

Albanese emphasised the risks that social media poses to youngsters, particularly to their mental and physical health, according to Reuters. He identified damaging information, such as body image concerns disproportionately affecting girls and misogynistic content aimed at guys.

He voiced worry for youngsters who are facing these obstacles during their formative years, emphasising that the government is "listening" and "acting" to solve these issues.

The proposed legislation is anticipated to be submitted in parliament later this year, and the new laws will take effect 12 months following their ratification. The opposition Liberal Party has expressed support for the plan, ensuring widespread political support.

The prohibition would apply worldwide, with no exceptions, including youngsters with parental consent or those with existing accounts.

Prime Minister Albanese stressed that social media sites would be responsible for enforcing the age restriction, with the requirement that they demonstrate reasonable steps to prevent access by children under the age of 16. He made it clear that this obligation would not lie on parents or young users.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated that the legislation will target networks such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, formerly known as Twitter, and would most likely include YouTube as well.

Australia has joined a growing list of countries that want to regulate young people's usage of social media. Last year, France recommended a ban on youngsters under the age of 15, but allowed access with parental approval. The United States has long required parental authorisation for corporations to collect data from children under the age of 13, thereby prohibiting younger users from accessing most social media platforms.

However, Australia's policy is one of the harshest to date, indicating a bold attitude to child safety in the digital age.