Australian Prime Minister Defends Social Media Ban Amid Concerns Over Teen Compliance
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended a new law banning under-16s from using major social media platforms, which took effect recently. The law, supported by major political parties and a significant portion of Australian parents, mandates that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube prevent access to users under 16 or face substantial fines. Despite the law's implementation, many teenagers have publicly claimed to remain online, challenging the platforms' compliance. The Australian government has tasked the eSafety Commissioner with monitoring the number of underage accounts before and after the ban. While some, including U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, have praised the initiative, others, like Meta, have expressed concerns that the ban may drive teenagers to less regulated parts of the internet. UNICEF has also warned that age restrictions alone are insufficient without improved platform design and content moderation. 
