New Delhi, January 17 (IANS). Australia is the first country in the world where the use of social media platforms has been completely banned for children under 16 years of age. It has been almost a month since this decision was implemented. Do you know what is the ground reality after the implementation of this decision in Australia?
Euro News reported that within a month, social media companies have removed about 50 lakh accounts of minors. Australia’s internet regulator said social media companies have removed about 4.7 million accounts of people under the age of 16 to comply with the law that came into effect on December 10.
E-Safety Commissioner said that a data was also released in this regard on Thursday. This data is an early indication that big platforms are taking necessary steps to prevent people under 16 from having accounts.
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, said: “I am very pleased with these early results. It is clear that the digital safety regulatory guidance and engagement with the platform is already delivering good results.”
These figures are the first government data on compliance. According to this, tech companies are taking necessary steps to comply with the rules. Other countries like Denmark are already looking at similar laws.
The Nordic country announced in November that it had struck a deal to block access to social media for anyone under the age of 15. It could be made law by mid-2026. The Nordic countries are a group of five sovereign nations of Northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland) and their respective autonomous regions (Greenland, Faroe Islands, Åland).
If these rules are violated, the platform may face a fine of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. Inman Grant acknowledged that some under-16 accounts are still active and said, “While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it’s important to remember that like our other safety laws in society, success is measured by minimizing harm and resetting cultural norms.”
–IANS
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