The Australian government has enacted a new policy barring children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The move aims to address growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on young people, including exposure to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and mental health issues. Officials argue that the measure is necessary to safeguard children during their formative years.
This policy will require social media platforms to implement age verification processes to prevent underage access. Companies failing to comply may face significant penalties, including fines or restrictions on their operations within Australia. The government has expressed its commitment to enforcing this rule to ensure compliance across all digital platforms.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential privacy violations and the practicality of enforcing such a ban. They argue that determined users may bypass age restrictions, and that educating children on responsible internet use might be a more effective approach. Despite these criticisms, the government remains firm, emphasizing the need to protect children from online risks.
