Australia Expands Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has added Reddit and the livestreaming platform Kick to the list of social media sites banned for users under 16, extending a new law set to take effect next month. These two platforms will join Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Threads, and YouTube in a unique legal requirement to prevent children from opening or maintaining accounts.
Legal Obligations and Penalties
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the seriousness of the law, stating that companies not complying could face fines up to A$50 million (about $33 million).
"We have met with several of the social media platforms in the past month so that they understand there is no excuse for failure to implement this law.”
Wells added that online platforms use technology to target children, and the government is simply asking them to use similar technology to protect them.
Enforcement and Future Considerations
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner who will enforce the law, noted that the list of restricted platforms will evolve as new technologies emerge.
“We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence so that others could learn from Australia’s achievements.”
She highlighted ongoing research into how the ban might impact children’s sleep, social habits, and physical activity.
International Attention
This initiative has attracted global interest due to its pioneering approach to child online safety.
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