Sydney, 10 December (H.S.): Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Wednesday confirmed that it would comply with Australia’s new law banning children under 16 from using social media, marking a global first in online safety regulation.“It’s not our choice — it’s what Australian law requires,” the company said in an official statement as the legislation came into force.
X, formerly known as Twitter, was the last of ten major social media companies to outline its compliance measures under the sweeping new rules.The law compels major platforms — including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat — to take active steps to identify and remove users below the age of 16.Non-compliance could attract penalties of up to 33 million US dollars.
Authorities in Canberra described the move as a “necessary step” to shield children from predatory algorithms and harmful digital content that expose them to bullying, sexual exploitation, and violence. “We cannot allow the online world to endanger our youngest citizens,” Australia’s Communications Ministry said.
The ban, the first of its kind globally, marks a defining moment in the international movement to hold technology companies accountable for child safety. Major social media firms have pledged to enhance age verification systems and adopt stricter moderation policies to meet the Australian standard.
Industry analysts say the law could set a precedent for other nations grappling with the social and psychological impacts of early social media exposure, prompting a broader global reassessment of online regulation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
