Australia has introduced a sweeping ban preventing young teenagers from accessing social media platforms, marking what officials describe as a world-first effort to curb the impact of addictive online content on children.

Under the new regulations, several major global platforms — including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — face penalties of up to US$33 million if they fail to block Australia-based users under the age of 16.

The government says the unprecedented crackdown is necessary to shield children from “predatory algorithms” that promote harmful material ranging from bullying to sexual content and violence.

The laws took effect nationwide just after midnight on Wednesday.

AFP