Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced his administration will introduce a bill that would ban the use of social media by individuals under the age of 16. The bill will be tabled this year and will come into effect a year after being approved by parliament.
If it comes true, Australia will be the country with the strictest bill banning the use of social media among minors in the world. The ban is blanket even if users receive permission from their parents. According to Albanese, steps were taken because "social media is causing harm to children and he will stop it from continuing".
Under this bill, social media such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube will be affected. Representatives of all social media have not yet released an official statement about this Australian plan. In addition to Australia, France also has a bill banning the use of social media by minors but there is relaxation for those with parental permission.