Australia bans under-16s from using social media; platforms criticize decision as rushed and unsupported

What just happened? Australia has introduced world-first legislation that bans people aged under 16 from using social media – even when their parents have given permission for them to use it. Meta, of course, is not happy about all this, and is accusing the country's government of failing to consider the evidence and the voices of young people.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Australian government had announced plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, an initiative designed to reduce the harm that platforms like TikTok and Instagram can have on young users. Politicians say the ban is required to ensure another generation of teenagers is not exposed to "as much damaging content" in the future.

The bill was approved on Friday morning in Australia's house of representatives with bipartisan support after a one-day inquiry was held to consider 15,000 ...