Dec 02 2024 27 mins
Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, pushed through parliament in just a week, requires tech companies to take "reasonable steps" to enforce the ban or face fines of up to approximately 50 million Australian dollars. While supporters hail it as a decisive step to safeguard children from dangerous influences online, critics argue it could raise serious concerns about enforceability, privacy, and how to strike the right balance between protection and personal freedom. What led to this sweeping decision, and how might it reshape the digital landscape not only in Australia but worldwide?