Australia Set To Establish Law To Restrict Kids Under 16 from Using Social Media

Australia has become the first country in the world to pass a law banning children under 16 from using social media. The new rule, which is the strictest of its kind globally, is expected to become law within a year.

The Australian Senate approved the law on Thursday, and it will now go to the House of Representatives for final approval. Once passed, social media platforms that break the rules could be fined up to A$50 million (about $32.5 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban aims to protect children from the dangers of social media. “We want kids to have a proper childhood and parents to feel at ease,” he said.

The law will not allow any exceptions, even with parental permission. It applies only to social media platforms, not gaming or messaging apps. Websites that don’t require an account, like YouTube, are also excluded.