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What is the new age ban on social media in Australia?
Australia's new law mandates that social media platforms must prevent users under 16 from creating or accessing accounts. Starting December 10, platforms will be required to implement age verification measures and restrict under-16 accounts, with fines of up to 50 million AUD for non-compliance.
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How will the law protect children online?
The law aims to shield children from harmful content and online risks by restricting their access to social media platforms. It enforces age verification and limits exposure to potentially damaging material, with oversight by the eSafety Commissioner to ensure compliance.
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What are the penalties for platforms that don't comply?
Platforms that fail to adhere to the new regulations face hefty fines of up to 50 million AUD. The government is actively monitoring compliance, and non-compliance could also lead to restrictions or bans on certain platforms within Australia.
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Are there privacy concerns with these new regulations?
Yes, some critics worry that the age verification process could infringe on user privacy or lead to data security issues. The government and platforms are working to balance child safety with privacy protections, but concerns remain about how personal data is handled.
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Which social media platforms are affected?
Most major social media platforms will need to comply with the law, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Some platforms may have exemptions for health and education purposes, but overall, the regulation targets widespread social media use among minors.
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How will the enforcement work?
The eSafety Commissioner will oversee enforcement, with platforms required to implement age verification tools and report compliance. The government is also engaging with platforms to develop effective methods for verifying ages and restricting underage accounts.