Australia's social media ban for teens, how it's going
CNBC • • world
Key Points:
- Australia has banned under-16s from major social media platforms, requiring companies like Meta, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit to implement age verification methods, with fines up to AUD 49.5 million for non-compliance.
- Some teens appreciate the break from social media distractions, adopting new habits, while others attempt to bypass the ban using VPNs or switching to unaffected apps, though some of these apps are now also complying with age restrictions.
- Tech companies are complying but criticize the ban's effectiveness, with Meta highlighting the need for broader app store regulation and Reddit legally challenging the ban, citing concerns over freedom of speech and social isolation for teens.
- The Australian ban is the first of its kind globally,
