Australia’s government has proposed a social media ban for children under the age of 16 which experts have described as a “momentous step,” as parents globally call for greater regulation of tech companies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week said the legislation will be introduced into parliament this year, with the law coming into effect 12 months after it is approved by lawmakers.
The ban is expected to trial age-verification systems to block children from accessing social media sites including Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, Bytedance’s TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X.
Dany Elachi is the co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance, an Australian organization connecting parents who are delaying smartphone and social media use for their children. He told CNBC Make It that it’s “very rewarding” to finally see their efforts being recognized.
“For years, we were derided by online safety educators as being insular and extreme but they had a vested interest in holding such a position. Many of …