For the first time in the world, a law banning social networks for children has come into force in Australia.

In Australia, for the first time in the world, a law has been introduced banning the use of social networks by children under the age of 16. This was reported on December 9 by the Reuters news agency.

"The ten largest platforms have been ordered to block children's access under threat of fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33 million) under a new law that has drawn criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but has been applauded by parents and child rights advocates," the publication says.

Facebook Instagram and Facebook platforms such as TikTok, Alphabet, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook (owned by Meta, whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation) have been banned.

Previously created accounts of users who do not pass the age restrictions must be deactivated. At the same time, they still have access to view content that does not require account registration.

On November 26, Reuters reported that the European Parliament (EP) called on the European Union (EU) to limit the possibility of registering on social networks to children under the age of 16 in order to combat the growing level of mental health problems among young people. The parliamentary resolution, which was supported by 483 out of more than 650 MPs, called for an EU-wide ban on children under 16 accessing online platforms without parental consent, as well as a complete ban on children under 13.

On November 7, the Associated Press learned that the Danish government had announced an agreement banning the use of social media by children under the age of 15. The measure is aimed at protecting teenagers from the negative impact of digital content and the pressure of commercial platforms. In some cases, parents will be allowed to provide access to social networks to children from the age of 13, but only after a special assessment.

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