After Australia, Countries Worldwide Move Against TikTok and Instagram

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After Australia, countries worldwide move against TikTok and Instagram, C14 Desk, 4 minutes ago

Australia was the first to impose restrictions on social media use for children under 16, setting a global precedent. In its wake, many countries in Europe and Asia are considering or already advancing similar legislation, aiming to protect minors from cyberbullying, addiction and psychological harm.

In recent months, a global wave of countries has announced plans to restrict access to social networks for children and teenagers. Australia became the first country to implement such measures late last year, establishing a precedent that many countries around the world are now following. The move is intended to reduce the pressures and risks young users may face on social networks, including cyberbullying and psychological harm.

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The Australian regulations aim to reduce the dangers associated with social media use, including addiction and exposure to predators. Australia has blocked access to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms for children under 16. Companies that violate the regulations could face heavy fines of tens of millions of Australian dollars.

The Australian government stressed that social media companies must take active steps to prevent children from accessing their services. The platforms are required to use multiple age-verification methods, and not rely solely on users entering their own age, to ensure that only those aged 16 and above can use the services.

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Despite concerns raised by human rights organizations about privacy violations, many countries continue to advance similar legislation. Countries that are considering or already promoting bans on social media for young users include Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and Britain.

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