Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban: World-First Policy Sparks Debate

• Australia will implement a world-first ban preventing under-16s from holding accounts on major social media platforms starting December 10.
• The ban covers platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, with companies responsible for enforcement and facing penalties up to A$49.5 million.
• While intended to safeguard mental wellbeing, the policy faces criticism for potentially increasing isolation, particularly for marginalized youth.
• Technical experts anticipate a smooth rollout for most users, though age verification for 16-17 year olds may pose challenges.
• This Australian initiative is being watched globally as a significant test case for social media regulation and its impact on young people.

Why It Matters: Australia's U16 social media ban sets global precedent for youth digital safety & tech regulation.