Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Alarms Global Platforms Amid Legal Battles

• Australia is implementing a world-first nationwide social media ban for under-16s, effective December 10, alarming global platforms.
• Industry groups oppose Australia's ban, arguing it could reduce safety, threaten rights, and relies on contested enforcement technology.
• Tech leaders fear Australia's model could become a global template for regulating social media access for minors.
• Social media companies face increasing legal challenges and whistleblower claims alleging they prioritize profits over user protection and contribute to youth harm.
• A landmark US trial in January will address claims against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube regarding addictive apps and concealed harms, with Meta's Zuckerberg and Snap's Spiegel ordered to appear.

Why It Matters: Australia's under-16 social media ban could reshape global youth online safety laws.