The Australian government has expanded its social media restrictions for teenagers, introducing stricter regulations aimed at protecting young users from online harm. Under the new rules, children under the age of 16 will require parental consent to create accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook.
The move is part of a broader national strategy to curb cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and data exploitation. The government has also called for stronger age verification systems, pushing tech companies to implement reliable user identification measures.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner will oversee enforcement, with companies facing hefty fines if they fail to comply. Critics argue the policy may raise privacy concerns, while supporters hail it as a necessary step to ensure online safety for children.
The expanded ban has already drawn global attention, as countries worldwide grapple with similar concerns over teenage access to social media.
