Australia has introduced a landmark, world-first law banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, in a sweeping move the government says is designed to “take back control” from powerful tech giants.
Under the new rules, major platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X — face fines of up to US$33 million if they fail to remove Australia-based users below the age threshold.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the measure as a long-overdue response to the harm caused by unchecked digital influence.
“Enough is enough,” Albanese said. “This is one of the biggest social and cultural shifts our nation has faced. We will take back control.”
The government argues that unprecedented action is necessary to shield children from what it calls “predatory algorithms,” which can flood young users’ feeds with harmful content ranging from cyberbullying to sexual material and violence.
The ban came into force just after midnight, instantly locking hundreds of thousands of adolescents out of apps that had been daily companions.
Among them is 10-year-old Bianca Navarro, who is already counting down the years until she is allowed back online.
“It’s pretty sad because I have six years until I can watch it,” she told AFP, referring to YouTube.
Australia’s move is being closely watched by governments worldwide — many of which are considering similar measures in the face of mounting concerns about children’s digital safety.
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