Datacentres demand huge amounts of electricity. Could they derail Australia’s net zero ambitions?

Australia is set to enforce a ban on social media access for individuals under 16, effective November 10, 2025. The Australian regulator has indicated that platforms must take measures to prevent underage users from using VPNs to bypass this restriction, although specific implementation details remain unclear.

Australia is set to enforce a social media age limit of 16 starting next week, requiring platforms to provide monthly reports on the closure of children's accounts or face fines. This initiative aims to enhance online safety for minors, reflecting growing concerns about their exposure to potential risks on social media.

YouTube has announced its compliance with Australia's upcoming ban on social media access for individuals under 16, which is set to take effect on November 10, 2025. This decision follows a warning from Google's parent company that the laws may not effectively enhance online safety for teenagers. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the platform's responsibility to ensure user safety.

YouTube is preparing to comply with Australia's forthcoming ban on social media access for individuals under 16, which is set to take effect on November 10. Despite initially rejecting the inclusion in the crackdown and considering a court challenge, the company is now taking steps to align with the new regulations aimed at enhancing online safety for minors.

Australia's social media ban for children under 16 is set to take effect on November 10, aimed at enhancing online safety for minors. The initiative has garnered mixed reactions, with privacy experts questioning its effectiveness while others commend its protective measures for youth.

Instagram's age-verification process has come under scrutiny after a case where a user was mistakenly identified as over 16, raising concerns about how effectively the platform can prevent underage users from accessing its services. In Australia, users under 16 can change their date of birth after passing a video selfie check or providing government ID.