Australia's world-first social media ban for children has taken effect, with throngs of teenagers waking up to find their accounts have gone dark. Others tell BBC they have already snuck past barriers and will continue scrolling and posting freely until they are caught.
The new law means social media firms - including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube - must take 'reasonable steps' to ensure Australians aged under 16 don't hold accounts on their platforms. The ban, eyed with excitement by global leaders and trepidation by tech companies, was justified as necessary to protect children from harmful content and algorithms - though critics have argued blanket prohibition is neither practical nor wise.
This landmark policy has been one of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's pet projects, and speaking to media on Wednesday he expressed pride in Australia taking a significant step. This is Australia showing enough is enough, Albanese stated, emphasizing the policy's potential to inspire global reform.
Polling indicates that the ban is popular among parents, but children have expressed how it restricts their social connections, particularly in rural areas or among marginalized communities. Critics warn that young people may easily circumvent the ban while advocating for education and moderation over prohibition.
As Australia charts a new course in regulating social media for minors, attention turns to how other nations will respond. While tech firms remain hesitant, the Australian government is firmly dedicated to enforcing it and remains optimistic for future compliance.
