Australia blocks social apps for under-16s in world-first safety move

Australia has announced a world-first ban that blocks social media access for users under 16, set to take effect at midnight. Platforms affected include Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Threads, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, Reddit, and YouTube. Government officials say the move is a landmark in online safety, arguing it will shield minors from harmful content and set a clear standard for tech companies.

The law requires platforms to restrict accounts identified as belonging to under-16s or to implement age-verification measures. The policy has drawn both praise and criticism: supporters hail it as holding the digital world to account for its youngest users, while critics warn about enforcement challenges, privacy concerns, and the possibility that teens will migrate to private or encrypted spaces where monitoring is harder.

Reddit has indicated it will comply with the ban through an age-prediction approach, though some critics frame this as a mechanism to collect data rather than a straightforward social network restriction. The eSafety commissioner emphasizes the measure’s intent to protect children, while acknowledging that technology and platforms will need to adapt. The policy represents the culmination of years of pressure from lawmakers and safety advocates, and governments around the world have signaled they plan similar steps in the coming years.

Industry groups warn the ban could complicate user experiences, affect digital literacy, and constrain innovation, whereas parents and educators argue it could create a safer online environment for young people. Officials describe the move as a trial that will be reviewed and refined over time.

As midnight approaches, the tech sector and digital-rights groups brace for the rollout and watch how the restrictions unfold across diverse platforms.

Cover image source: Australia's social media ban set to take effect, sparking a global crackdown 🔗

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