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Under-16 Social Media Ban In Australia: A Digital Divide

On Friday, the Australian government’s newly implemented ban on social media for children under 16 got mixed reactions from the citizens, Australians expressed a blend of anger and relief to this ban which officials claim is a pioneering measure. 

Technology companies such as TikTok have contended that this initiative may drive young users to more perilous areas of the internet. The Australian government sanctioned the ban late Thursday following a passionate national debate, establishing a significant precedent for other regions with one of the most stringent regulations aimed at major technology firms. 

The legislation mandates that tech giants such as Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook as well as TikTok must prevent minors from accessing their platforms or they would have to face penalties of up to $32 million. 

A trial period for enforcement strategies is all set to begin in January and the ban would come into effect in a year. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Friday that platforms now have a social responsibility that they must fulfil to make sure that the safety of kids is a priority to them. He added that they are ensuring that parents could have that different conversation today and in upcoming years. 

In his earlier announcements regarding the ban, Albanese highlighted the potential dangers to the physical and mental well-being of the kids when they associate with excessive social media use, especially the adverse effects on girls from negative body image portrayal and the misogynistic content which is directed at boys. 

 Responses to the ban in Sydney on Friday vary, some think that it is a great idea as they do not find social media appropriate for children, whereas others are angry and feel that the government has neglected democracy. Children on the other hand intended to bypass the ban and would try to get in secretly.

Posted by

Suchita Gupta

Tech Journalist