CANBERRA, Australia (Kashmir English): Australia became the first nation in the world to ban social media for children under 16 as it blocked access to platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook from Wednesday midnight.
The ban is being closely watched by other countries also considering similar age-based measurement.
Ten of the biggest platforms operating in the country were asked to block children from midnight on Wednesday (1300 GMT on Tuesday) or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) under the new law, which drew criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates. However, parents and child advocates welcomed the move.
The ban came amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s health and safety.
In a video message that Sky News Australia said would be played in schools this week, PM Anthony Albanese said the ban aimed to support young Australians and ease the pressure that can come from endless feeds and algorithms.
“Make the most of the school holidays coming up. Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf,” he said.
“And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face.”
Australia could set social media precedent
The move put to rest a year of speculation about whether a nation can deny children using technology embedded in modern life.
“While Australia is the first to adopt such restrictions, it is unlikely to be the last,” Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, said.
“Governments around the world are watching how the power of Big Tech was successfully taken on. The social media ban in Australia … is very much the canary in the coal mine.”
Governments from Denmark to Malaysia and even some states in the US also have similar plans.
