Australia Proposes a Ban on Social Media for Those Under 16

Australia's Prime Minister proposes ban on social media for under 16s. Legislation to be introduced this year, with a 12-month grace period. No exemptions for users with parental consent.

Credit: ENVATO

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared during a news conference. The legislation is set to be introduced into parliament this year, with the laws taking effect 12 months after ratification by lawmakers. Notably, there will be no exceptions for users with parental consent.

According to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, the responsibility will lie with social media platforms to prove they are taking necessary measures to restrict access. "The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access," Albanese stated. "The onus won't be on parents or young people." Platforms affected by the proposed ban include Meta Platforms' Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, and Elon Musk's X. Alphabet's YouTube is also likely to be encompassed by the legislation.

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• Australia's Prime Minister proposes ban on social media for under 16s

• Legislation to be introduced this year, with a 12-month grace period

• No exemptions for users with parental consent

Source: REUTERS