Australia has recently passed a law that prohibits children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. This legislation, supported by both the Labor government and the conservative opposition, requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit to implement strict age-verification measures.
This move positions Australia as a global leader in social media regulation and may encourage other countries to adopt similar measures. Concerns about the impact of technology on young people's well-being have prompted the need for such regulations. Companies that fail to comply with the law could face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
Starting from November 2025, these new regulations will come into effect. It is hoped that these measures will help protect the well-being of young people and address the potential negative effects of social media on their lives.