Australia's Social Media Ban for Kids: A Bold Step in Online Safety

Australia has revoked the social media access of 4.7 million accounts deemed to belong to children under 16 since enacting a ban. The decision faces mixed reactions, with parents praising its child safety intent and critics citing potential evasion. The law may inspire similar global initiatives.

Australian officials have reported that 4.7 million social media accounts linked to children under 16 have been revoked following the country's landmark ban. The legislation, enacted out of concern for harmful online environments, faces both commendation and criticism.

The ban, which affects platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, stipulates severe penalties for non-compliance, urging companies to take steps such as age verification to manage youth access. As a result, Meta alone has removed 550,000 accounts supposedly belonging to kids.

While hailed for safeguarding youth, the legislation has sparked debate over privacy and its real-world impact, with some believing it merely shifts children's activities to less regulated apps. However, its global influence is noted, with countries like Denmark considering similar measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)