Australia Introduces Minimum Age Rules
Australia has implemented a strict policy preventing children under 16 from registering accounts on major social media platforms. The law makes tech companies responsible for enforcing the rule, with substantial fines for non-compliance. Authorities say the move aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and protect young people’s mental health, though questions remain over the reliability of age verification and whether teenagers may turn to unregulated online spaces.
Europe Develops Its Own Youth Protections
Across Europe, lawmakers are taking steps to regulate minors’ access to social networks. The European Parliament has recommended a minimum age of 16 for social media use, while individual countries design their own policies. Denmark is considering a ban for users under 15, and France, Germany, and Italy continue to rely on parental consent for younger children. The diversity of approaches highlights a common concern for child safety but creates uneven rules across the region.
Debates Over Privacy and Enforcement Persist
The push for stricter age limits has sparked debate over privacy and practicality. Critics warn that age-verification systems could expose sensitive personal information or be misused, while supporters argue that stronger protections are needed to shield children from harassment, addictive platform features, and inappropriate content. Policymakers and tech companies now face the challenge of safeguarding young users while respecting privacy and access to digital services.
