AUSTRALIA BANS INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, FACEBOOK, X AND YOUTUBE ACCOUNTS FOR UNDER-16S

In a world-first move, Australia will block teenagers under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and for the first time, YouTube. View-only access on YouTube will remain possible, but users under 16 cannot interact, comment, or upload content.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the policy as a step to curb social harm: “Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know we have their backs.”
Tech companies face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5m) if they fail to comply. Exceptions include messaging, gaming, and educational apps. The government’s policy prioritizes protecting children from predatory algorithms.