Australia passes order banning social media for those under 16 years
Melbourne/IBNS: In a landmark ruling, Australia banned those under 16 from using social media, making it one of the world's toughest crackdowns on popular sites like Facebook, Instagram and X, media reports said.
The bill has now passed both parliamentary chambers with bipartisan support.
The social media platforms will soon be expected to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from opening or having accounts.
Failure to do so, a firm might face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Social media platforms have described the laws as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed".
The legislation passed parliament's lower chamber on Wednesday and passed the Senate late on Thursday evening.
It is now on its course to become law.
Eyeing a comeback in the election early next year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has championed the new rules and was backed by Aussie parents.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Hindus form own political party in Bangladesh after lynching horror, target over 40 seats
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has launched a political outfit of its own ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year, amid a surge in attacks on minorities following the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
Political bombshell in Bangladesh: Student-led NCP joins hands with Islamist Jamaat ahead of polls
The National Citizen Party (NCP), a political outfit formed by student leaders who spearheaded the July–August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has announced a seat-sharing agreement with one of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist parties ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year.
Night of Terror: Deadly blaze at Indonesian retirement home leaves 16 dead
At least 16 people were killed after a fire broke out at a retirement home in Indonesia’s Manado city on Sulawesi island, media reports said.
Bangladesh: Police claim Hadi’s killer fled to India
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Sunday claimed that the prime accused in the killing of radical leader Osman Sharif Hadi has fled to India.
Latest News
Airtel drops a nostalgia bomb with Cartoon Network Classics launch
Unsatisfactory: MCG under fire as ICC issues demerit point after Ashes thriller
Samsung to unleash AI, Robotics and digital health innovations at CES 2026
Hindus form own political party in Bangladesh after lynching horror, target over 40 seats
