• Hausa Edition
  • Podcast
  • Conferences
  • LeVogue Magazine
  • Business News
  • Print Advert Rates
  • Online Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Leadership Newspapers
Read in Hausa
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Leadership Newspapers
No Result
View All Result

Australian Senate Approves World’s Strictest Social Media Ban Against Under-16s

by Nafisat Abdulrahman
9 months ago
in Foreign News
Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on XTelegram

In a landmark decision, Australia has become the first country to approve a legislation banning children under 16 from using social media, marking the introduction of the world’s strictest law on online access.

Advertisement

The Senate approved the bill late Thursday, paving the way for final amendments to be passed in the House of Representatives, where the Albanese government holds a majority. The legislation was expected to become law within 12 months. Social media platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the move, emphasising the need to protect young Australians from the “harms” of social media. “This is a global problem, and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood. We want parents to have peace of mind,” he said when introducing the bill last week.

The new law will set the highest age limit for social media use worldwide, with no exemptions for existing users or parental consent. Gaming and messaging platforms are excluded, as are sites that can be accessed without an account, such as YouTube.

Critics raised concerns about how the government plans to enforce the ban. The legislation left key details, including which platforms will be covered, to be decided later by Australia’s communications minister, in consultation with the eSafety Commissioner.

RELATED

US Fires Intelligence Agency Chief After Iran Attack Assessment

US Fires Intelligence Agency Chief After Iran Attack Assessment

2 days ago
‘Continuous Vetting’: Fate Of 55m US Visa Holders Uncertain

‘Continuous Vetting’: Fate Of 55m US Visa Holders Uncertain

2 days ago
ADVERTISEMENT

The government proposed using age-verification technology, which could include biometrics or identity documentation. However, digital researchers have questioned the effectiveness of such methods and warned of potential privacy risks. Critics also pointed out that restrictions could be easily circumvented using tools like VPNs, which can disguise users’ locations.

“We all know technology moves fast, and some people will try to find ways around these new laws, but that is not a reason to ignore the responsibility that we have,” Albanese said, addressing concerns about enforcement.

Social media giants expressed skepticism. TikTok criticised the law’s broad and vague definition of a social media platform, warning it could encompass “almost every online service.” Google and Snap also called for greater clarity, while Meta described the bill as “ineffective.” X, formerly Twitter, questioned its compatibility with international human rights laws.

ADVERTISEMENT

The reforms found support among many Australian parents and advocacy groups, who said the legislation addresses their long-standing concerns about social media’s impact on children.

“For too long, parents have had this impossible choice between giving in and getting their child an addictive device or seeing their child isolated and feeling left out,” said Amy Friedlander, a parent who lobbied for the ban. “We’ve been trapped in a norm that no one wants to be a part of.”

However, youth advocates and researchers criticised the government for excluding young people from the conversation. “We understand we are vulnerable to the risks and negative impacts of social media… but we need to be involved in developing solutions,” the eSafety Youth Council said in a statement.

Experts have also warned that the legislation could drive young users toward less regulated corners of the internet, exacerbating the very risks it seeks to address. “This is too blunt an instrument to effectively address the risks associated with social media use,” one expert noted.

Australia’s bold move has drawn international attention. Norway pledged to consider similar legislation, while the UK hinted at introducing its own social media ban for minors.

Despite its global significance, questions remained over whether Australia’s approach will succeed. Previous efforts elsewhere have faced challenges. In France, a law requiring parental consent for under-15s failed to prevent half of minors from accessing social media using VPNs. Similarly, an Utah law was overturned by a federal judge for being unconstitutional.


Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Nigerians can now earn US Dollars monthly by acquiring domains cheaply and reselling for profits up to $18,000 (nearly ₦30Million). Beneficiaries include professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants and more. Click here to start.


Tags: Australian Senate
SendShare10171Tweet6357Share
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Frank Lampard Appointed As Coventry City Manager

Next Post

Olu Of Warri Condemns Attack On Chevron Pipeline

Nafisat Abdulrahman

Nafisat Abdulrahman

I am a dedicated reporter at Leadership Newspaper, where I bring a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to a diverse range of topics, including business, sports, politics, and international affairs. My work aims to provide readers with accurate, timely, and engaging reports that break down the complexities of current events. From covering high-profile political shifts and court cases to exploring the latest in economic developments and sporting events, I strive to offer insightful and comprehensive coverage. My stories include in-depth analyses of economic trends, detailed political reports, and human interest pieces that highlight significant global and local events. I am committed to delivering news that informs and fosters a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our world. My goal is to engage readers with well-researched and thought-provoking content

You May Like

US Fires Intelligence Agency Chief After Iran Attack Assessment
Foreign News

US Fires Intelligence Agency Chief After Iran Attack Assessment

2025/08/24
‘Continuous Vetting’: Fate Of 55m US Visa Holders Uncertain
Foreign News

‘Continuous Vetting’: Fate Of 55m US Visa Holders Uncertain

2025/08/24
Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Wickremesinghe Rushed To ICU From Jail
Foreign News

Sri Lanka’s Ex-President Wickremesinghe Rushed To ICU From Jail

2025/08/23
Japan Committed To Peace, Stability In Africa – Envoy
Foreign News

Japan Names City As ‘Hometown’ For Nigerians

2025/08/23
Nigerians, Other Africans To Visit Kenya Without Prior Authorisation
Foreign News

Bodies Found Near Site Of Kenya’s Starvation Cult Burials

2025/08/23
China Steps Up Support For Home Services Industry
Foreign News

Six Dead, 10 Missing After Bridge Collapses In China

2025/08/23
Leadership Conference advertisement

LATEST

We Must Invest In Cyber Defence, Artificial Intelligence, Indigenous Military Technology – CDS

Security Summit Seeks End To Killings In Benue

Gombe Gov Signs Bill Creating 13 LCDA

PremiumTrust Bank Meets N200bn Capital Requirement For National Commercial Banks; Reinforcing Its Leadership As Nigeria’s Fastest-Growing Bank

FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert To 9 Northern States

We’ll Do More To Secure Katsina – COAS

Parties Accept Mediation In Abia Land Dispute

PDP’s Zoning Of Presidential Ticket To South Sparks Comments

Oil Theft Nearly 100% Eliminated, Says NNPCL GCEO

FG Signs BASA Agreement For Direct Flights To Brazil

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.