Australia on Wednesday became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access in a move welcomed by many parents and child advocates, but criticised by major technology companies and free speech advocates.
Starting at midnight, 10 of the largest platforms including TikTok, YouTube as well as Instagram and Facebook were ordered to block children or face fines of up to AU$49.5 million under the new law, which is being closely watched by our regulators worldwide.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a proud day for families and cast the law as proof that policymakers can curb online harms that have outpaced traditional safeguards.
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