Australian lawmakers have banned social networking for under-16s. They approved one of the world's toughest crackdowns on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X.
The bill has already been approved by both houses of parliament with bipartisan support. The companies that own the platforms will soon have to take "reasonable measures" to prevent young teenagers from accessing their accounts, AFP reports.
The companies, which could face fines of up to $32.5 million if they do not comply, described the rules as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed".
The bill was approved by the lower house of parliament on 27 November and by the Senate late in the evening on 28 November.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is expecting elections early next year, enthusiastically advocated the new rules and urged parents to support them.
Ahead of the vote, he described social media as "a platform for peer pressure, an engine of anxiety, a tool for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators".
He wants young Australians to "give up their phones and get out on the football and cricket pitch, in the tennis and netball courts, in the swimming pool". | BGNES
