Australia Starts Blocking Teen Social Media Use; Says Other Countries Likely to Follow
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
SYDNEY — Dec 4 (GeokHub) Australia has begun enforcing its new law that bans social-media access for children under 16, with major platforms moving to deactivate teen accounts as of this week. The government warned that its move could set a global precedent for how nations regulate Big Tech and online safety for minors.
Under the new regime, under-16s will be blocked from account-based social media features — meaning no posting, following, messaging, or other interactive functions. Some platforms have already started notifying affected users that their accounts will be frozen or deleted.
Government officials argue the ban is necessary to protect young people from online harms, including mental-health risks and exposure to harmful content. They believe the law may serve as a model for other countries grappling with teen social-media regulation.
At the same time, the sweeping ban has sparked debate over free expression, digital access, and how exactly age-verification will be handled. Some critics say the law may limit young people’s ability to connect socially or access information, and worry about privacy and equity implications of age checks.
As the ban rolls out globally for the first time, all eyes are on Australia — and on whether other nations will follow suit.
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