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Australian content creators feel sting of losing young fans to social media ban

Australian content creators feel sting of losing young fans to social media ban

By Christine Chen SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Australian content creators are reporting drops in followers and views a day after the country imposed a sweeping teen social media ban, posing risks for incomes and forcing rethinks of content strategies.
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'This is the end': Australian teens mourn loss of social media as ban begins

'This is the end': Australian teens mourn loss of social media as ban begins

By Christine Chen SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australian teenagers have taken to social media for the last time to farewell their followers and mourn the loss of the platforms that shaped much of their lives before a world-first ban took effect on Wednesday.
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Australia's Social Media Ban for Minors: A Bold Move with Global Implications

Australia's Social Media Ban for Minors: A Bold Move with Global Implications

Australia has introduced a pioneering ban on social media access for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025. This law, the first of its kind globally, aims to shield young users from the dangers of social media, including addictive algorithms and online predators. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are required to deactivate accounts held by under-16s, using age verification technology to enforce compliance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the day as a significant step for Australian families, reclaiming control from tech companies. While some children and parents may attempt to circumvent the ban, the law does not penalize them directly.
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Australia social media watchdog sees common cause with US as age ban begins

Australia social media watchdog sees common cause with US as age ban begins

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The regulator overseeing Australia's world-first teenage social media ban rejected the "technological exceptionalism" championed by mostly U.S.-based platforms and said a groundswell of American parents wanted similar measures. eSafety Commissioner Julie
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Social media ban for children under 16 starts in Australia

Social media ban for children under 16 starts in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16 as families taking back power from tech giants
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Australia Implements Landmark Social Media Ban for Minors, Drawing Global Attention

Australia Implements Landmark Social Media Ban for Minors, Drawing Global Attention

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking social media ban for individuals under the age of 16, effective immediately. This legislation mandates that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube prevent minors from accessing their services or face substantial fines. The move is part of a broader effort to protect young users from harmful online content and cyberbullying. The law has sparked international interest as other countries, including Indonesia, Denmark, and Brazil, consider similar measures. While major platforms have agreed to comply, there is concern that the rapid implementation of these rules may inadvertently drive minors to less regulated areas of the internet. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the reform's significance, stating it aims to safeguard children's childhood experiences.
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Australia leader defends social media ban as teens brag about staying online

Australia leader defends social media ban as teens brag about staying online

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged some young people were still on social media a day after a world-first ban on under-16s went live, saying the rollout was always going to be bumpy but would ultimately save lives.
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Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Sparking Global Interest

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Sparking Global Interest

Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. This legislation, effective from midnight, mandates ten major platforms to block access for minors or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The move has been met with mixed reactions, drawing criticism from tech companies and free speech advocates, while receiving support from parents and child welfare groups. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the ban's intent to alleviate the pressures of social media on young Australians, encouraging them to engage in offline activities. The ban is being closely monitored by other nations considering similar measures, as concerns about social media's impact on children's health and safety grow. The law's implementation marks a significant shift in how countries might regulate technology's role in young people's lives.
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Australia social media ban set to take effect, sparking a global crackdown

Australia social media ban set to take effect, sparking a global crackdown

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use on Wednesday, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of
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Australia social media ban takes effect in world first

Australia social media ban takes effect in world first

SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australia at midnight (1300 GMT) on Wednesday became the first country in the world to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Meta's Instagram and Facebook.
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Australia's social media ban leaves a 15-year-old worried about losing touch with friends

Australia's social media ban leaves a 15-year-old worried about losing touch with friends

Australia has introduced a world-first social media ban for children under 16, starting Wednesday
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Factbox-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access

Factbox-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access

SYDNEY, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Australia on Wednesday will become the world's first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Meta's Instagram and Facebook.