Australia's under-16 social media ban boosts alternative app downloads.

• Australian under-16s are finding alternative platforms after a nationwide ban on popular social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• New apps gaining traction include Lemon8, Yope, Coverstar, RedNote, and WhatsApp, as teens look for ways to stay connected.
• Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from 10 apps deemed harmful, requiring tech companies to verify ages and deactivate accounts.
• The ban impacts hundreds of thousands of adolescents, with companies like Instagram reporting significant user deactivations for those aged 13-15.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the world-first law as Australia "taking control back" from powerful tech giants.

Why It Matters: Australia's teen social media ban shows how regulations impact tech and youth.