This is the first time in the world that a social media ban has been imposed targeting people under the age of 16.
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Australia has banned children under the age of 16 from using social media starting Wednesday. 10 platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and X, have been banned.
These platforms will use age verification technology to only allow people over 16 to use their platforms. All accounts under the age of 16 will be deleted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday was a “proud day” for Australia.
“This is a day when Australian families have taken back power from big tech companies. They have insisted that children have the right to be children and that they have the right to feel safe with their parents,” Albanese said.
However, experts have also pointed out the risk that trying to keep children in this age group away from social media could lead them to use those networks illegally.
Albanese also admitted that the implementation aspect of this is not easy. However, he understands that this is necessary to protect children from smartphone addiction.
This is the first case in the world where a social media ban targeting people under the age of 16 has been imposed.
