Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Safety Concerns

On December 10, Australia enacted a groundbreaking ban on social media access for children under 16, marking a significant shift in online safety regulations. This legislation places the onus on social media platforms to prevent underage access, with severe penalties for non-compliance.

The move has sparked interest in similar regulations across Southeast Asia, with countries like Malaysia and Indonesia considering their own measures for child safety online. Critics argue Australia’s ban might push youth toward unregulated spaces, drawing parallels to spikes in VPN usage following the UK’s Online Safety Act.

The Australian approach signifies a critical response to the inadequacy of self-regulation by tech companies, which have often prioritized their financial interests over user safety. The legislation aims to ensure that standards like age verification and user account safety are enforced, reflecting a growing global trend towards stricter digital governance and the protection of young users from the harms of social media.