Australia news live: social media ban comes into effect; apps not included in banned list surge on app stores
NeutralWorld Affairs
- Australia has enacted a law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, effective December 10, 2025. This groundbreaking legislation aims to protect minors from online risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. The eSafety commissioner, Inman Grant, noted that compliance from social media companies has been challenging during the rollout of this ban.
- The implementation of this ban is significant as it positions Australia as the first country to take such a measure, potentially influencing global discussions on youth safety online. The law is expected to lead to substantial changes in how social media platforms operate and how they verify user ages.
- This development reflects ongoing debates about the balance between protecting children online and the rights of individuals to access information and social platforms. As companies like Meta and Snapchat prepare to comply, concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of age verification processes are emerging, highlighting the complexities of regulating digital spaces.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
