On Thursday, the Australian government unveiled a pioneering proposal to restrict social media use for individuals under 16 years old.
“Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians, and I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters after his cabinet backed the measure. “The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority.”
The legislation is expected to be presented in Parliament later this month and will come into effect one year after its passage, giving involved parties time to update their software and implement compliance protocols.
There will be no exceptions for minors wishing to use the services with parental consent.
The country’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, identified Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube as examples of platforms that would be subject to the law’s regulations.
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