Tech Desk 
Nov 07, 2024
To the disappointment of the general public, access to social media in Australia is on the verge of being snatched.
The development came to light as Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that the government is eyeing to implement a social media ban for children under 16, which it claims to be the first of its kind across the globe.
"Social media is harming our kids and I'm calling time on it," Albanese stated at a news conference.
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Australia banning social media for children under 16
Slated to be tabled in parliament this year, the legislation will take 12 months to be enacted in the country if approved, Reuters reported while citing sources. It was also learned that even parental consent to exempt kids from the ban will not be entertained.
"The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access. The onus won't be on parents or young people," Albanese added.
Major social media platforms which the ban will primarily cover include Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook, as well as Bytedance's TikTok and Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), the publication cited the communications minister of Australia Michelle Rowland.
The ban appears to be reminiscent of various other countries ready to curtail social media use by children through legislation, however, the one being considered in Australia to be the most stringent.
