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The First in the World: Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

In a groundbreaking move, Australia’s Senate has approved a ban on social media access for children under 16. The law, which imposes strict fines on non-compliant companies, aims to safeguard young users’ well-being but has sparked debate over its practicality and potential consequences.

Key Facts

  • Legislative Milestone: The bill passed Australia’s Senate by a vote of 34 to 19 on Thursday, following overwhelming support in the House earlier this week.
  • Strict Compliance Timeline: Social media companies have one year to block under-16 users or face fines of up to $33 million.
  • Government Backing: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the law as a global first, emphasizing its role in protecting young people from social media’s harmful effects.

A Divisive Policy

While the law has garnered praise for its child-centric focus, critics argue that its rushed implementation might create logistical challenges. Detractors, including social media firms, have pointed to unresolved technical issues and potential unintended consequences.

  • Proponents’ Perspective: Albanese stressed that the law shifts responsibility to platforms, holding them accountable for safeguarding children. “Social media has a social responsibility,” he said, addressing parents’ concerns about the impact on young users’ mental health and self-esteem.
  • Industry Concerns: Companies like Google, Meta, and TikTok have called for delays, citing gaps in age verification systems and the risk of broader implications for all Australian users. Elon Musk described the bill as a possible “backdoor to control internet access.”

Broader Context: Global Efforts to Protect Children Online

Australia’s ban may be the strictest yet, but other nations are also taking steps to regulate children’s online activity:

  • United States: The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) mandates parental consent for data collection from users under 13.
  • European Union: The Digital Services Act prohibits personalized advertising targeting minors and enforces stricter online protections for children.

Key Takeaway

Australia’s new law sets a precedent in tackling the challenges of social media’s impact on youth, but its execution will be closely watched as the global conversation on children’s online safety evolves.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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