Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media on Wednesday. The prohibited platforms include Alphabet's YouTube, Meta's Instagram, and Facebook. Under the new law, the 10 largest platforms were ordered to ban youth visits from midnight GMT on Tuesday, or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. The new law was criticized by big tech companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by many parents and child rights advocates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanis called it a “proud day” for families and believes the law is proof that policymakers can curb cyber harm that goes beyond traditional safeguards.” This is the day Australian families take back their power from these big tech companies,” Albanis said.

Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media on Wednesday. The prohibited platforms include Alphabet's YouTube, Meta's Instagram, and Facebook. Under the new law, the 10 largest platforms were ordered to ban youth visits from midnight GMT on Tuesday, or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. The new law was criticized by big tech companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by many parents and child rights advocates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanis called it a “proud day” for families and believes the law is proof that policymakers can curb cyber harm that goes beyond traditional safeguards.” This is the day Australian families take back their power from these big tech companies,” Albanis said.