Australia approves social media ban as under-16s go beneath world’s strictest legal guidelines

Australia is to ban children under 16 from using social media.

Today its Senate approved the world’s strictest lasw to protect young peoople from “harms” online. The ban – which won’t come into force for at least 12 months – could see tech companies fined up to $32.5m (£25.7m) if they don’t comply.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the legislation is needed to protect young people from the “harms” of social media, the BBC reports. It’s something parent groups have called for amid concerns of the impact of youngsters’ mental health.

However some have raised questions over how the ban will be imposed and the effect on privacy.

“This is a global problem and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood,” Albanese said when introducing the bill to the lower house last week. “We want parents to have peace of mind.”

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