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Why did Australia ban under-16s from social media?
Australia introduced a law in December 2025 that bans under-16s from creating accounts on major social media platforms. The goal is to protect children from harmful content and online risks. Over 4.7 million accounts have been deactivated or restricted since the law took effect, aiming to reduce exposure to inappropriate material and online bullying.
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What are the global trends in social media restrictions for minors?
Many countries are tightening rules around social media use for children. Some are banning under-13s or under-16s from certain platforms, while others are deploying new age verification technologies. These trends reflect a growing concern about mental health, privacy, and online safety for young users worldwide.
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How effective are age-detection techs like TikTok's AI system?
Platforms like TikTok are rolling out AI-based age detection to identify under-13 users by analyzing profile data and behavior. While these systems can catch some underage accounts, experts say they are not foolproof. TikTok allows users to appeal age restrictions with government IDs or selfies, but the technology’s accuracy remains a topic of debate.
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What are the privacy concerns with banning kids from social media?
Banning children from social media raises questions about privacy and online support networks. Critics argue that such bans might isolate vulnerable teens or push them to less regulated platforms. Balancing child safety with privacy rights is a key challenge for regulators and tech companies alike.
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Are these regulations actually stopping kids from using social media?
While laws like Australia’s aim to restrict under-16s, many teens find ways around restrictions, such as using VPNs or fake ages. Experts say enforcement is difficult, and some worry that bans may not significantly reduce social media use but could instead push kids to less safe platforms.
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What’s next for social media regulation and kids’ safety?
As technology evolves, so will regulations. Countries are likely to adopt more sophisticated age verification methods and stricter rules. Ongoing debates focus on protecting children without infringing on privacy or freedom online, making this an evolving area to watch.