In Australia, millions of kids' social media profiles are going dark, as the country's new social media ban takes effect for anyone under 16. Jo Ling Kent reports.

Canberra

Australia has implemented a nationwide ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, resulting in the deactivation of millions of accounts. The law requires ten major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, to block access for children or face fines up to $33 million, while gaming and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Discord, and Roblox remain accessible.

The eSafety Commission will oversee enforcement, with platforms using age estimation and verification methods like video selfies and ID checks. While some parents and advocates support the move as necessary for child safety, critics argue that regulation should be a parental responsibility. The law marks a significant shift, as 95% of Australian teens aged 13 to 15 used social media in the previous year.

Australia's social media ban takes effect for kids under 16

Tonight, parents around the world are watching Australia, where a landmark social media ban for young teenagers started today. Millions of accounts were deactivated with the tech companies on the hook for enforcing the ban. Here's senior business and tech correspondent, Jolene Kentz. In the land down under, millions of kids' social media profiles are going dark today, as Australia's new social media ban takes effect for anyone under 16. Our social media ban is about making sure kids have a childhood. It's not going to be perfect, but it's too important. Ten of the biggest social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat, have been ordered by Australia's e-Safety Commission to block children, or face a fine of up to $33 million, while gaming and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Discord and Roblox are still available. The sweeping law will be a major lifestyle change. Ninety-five percent of Australian kids, 13 to 15, used social media last year. As young Australians, we will be completely silenced and cut off from our country and the rest of the world with this ban. Here in the U.S., some lawmakers have been pushing for additional regulation of social media platforms too, and some states are now rolling out age verification requirements for kids to download them. This new law in Australia is a game changer. The critics out there say, look, it should be incumbent upon parents and families to be regulating social media usage for their kids. What's your response to that? There's no question that there's an important role for parents, but the truth is, these are the most powerful, wealthiest companies in the history of the world. The platforms are addictive. And so we obviously need common sense regulation and guardrails. Australia's eSafety Commission says that many of the 10 social media platforms will estimate or verify users' ages by evaluating online activity, like a video selfie, for example, or in some cases, do an ID check. Here in the U.S., some platforms already are offering age estimation and teen accounts, but these methods aren't foolproof, and those child online safety advocates say more is necessary to keep kids safe. A lot of parents are cheering tonight. Jolynn Kent, thank you.

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