Australia’s Senate yesterday approved a law that imposes a ban on social media for children under 16, one of the world’s most sweeping measures to protect young people online.
Under the new law, social media platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account. Corporations could be fined for failing to implement age requirements, but neither underage users nor their parents will face punishment for violations.
Social media companies have a 12-month period to meet the law’s requirements. Critics say big questions remain about how the law will be enforced, and whether it will work.
