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Australia has recently passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media, with fines of up to AUD 49.5 million for companies that violate the rule. This is one of the strictest regulations worldwide, aimed at reducing the negative impacts of social media on young people's mental health.
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| The NSW, Queensland, Victorian and South Australian premiers are united in a push to lift age minimums on social media including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Calls are growing for a national approach. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images |
While the law has received support from the majority of the public, it faces opposition from child rights groups, who are concerned about privacy and the potential misuse of personal data. Major tech companies like Meta and TikTok have criticized the rush in implementing the law without clear guidelines.