Meta blocked approximately 550,000 accounts in Australia in the initial days of a new social media ban targeting users under the age of 16, according to BBC World. The ban, which took effect in December, requires major social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to prevent Australian children from creating accounts.
The Australian law was enacted to shield children from harmful content and algorithms, a justification supported by campaigners and the government, BBC World reported. The move is being closely observed globally as other nations grapple with similar concerns about online safety for young people.
While Meta and other tech companies have expressed agreement on the need to enhance online safety for young users, experts are advocating for a collaborative approach. According to BBC World, they emphasize the importance of comprehensive solutions that strike a balance between protecting children and respecting individual privacy. The ban has ignited a global conversation about online safety, age verification, and the challenges of navigating youth online activity in the digital age.
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