Summary
Australia has introduced a bill to ban social media access for children under 16, enforcing strict penalties of up to AU$50 million for non-compliance.
The law would require biometric or government ID for age verification and prohibits parental consent as an exemption.
While aiming to protect children from harmful content, critics argue it may drive teens to unregulated platforms.
Some services, like YouTube and WhatsApp, will be exempt for educational or messaging purposes.
The bill has bipartisan support but faces scrutiny from independents and child welfare advocates.
How will we ever control the minds of children if we can’t control their computers? How will we even force our narratives on them without removing all counter-narratives? How can they ever be happy without taking away their freedom and information? Go Australia! Keep that delusional settler vibe strong! \s