Australia social media ban set to take effect, sparking a global crackdown

It begins a live experiment studied by lawmakers frustrated by the slow enforcement of harm-minimisation efforts [SYDNEY] Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use on Wednesday (Dec 10). Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will be forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation. From 1300 GMT (9 pm Singapore time), 10 of the biggest platforms will be required to block Australians under 16, or be fined up to A$49.5 million (S$42.6 million). The law received harsh criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was praised by parents and child advocates. The rollout closes out a year of speculation about whether a country can block children from using technology that is built into modern life. It begins a live experiment that will be studied globally by lawmakers who want to intervene directly, because they are frustrated by what they say is a tech industry that has been too slow to implement effective harm-minimisation efforts. Governments from Denmark to Malaysia – and even some states in the US, where platforms are rolling back trust and safety features –
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