‘Behavioural cocaine’: Australia defends social media ban for kids; no TikTok, Instagram for under-16s - The Times of India
Australia is rolling out a new law from December 10 banning social media use for anyone under 16 on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The government argues the measure protects young people from predatory algorithms — described as “behavioural cocaine” — that draw minors into harmful online spaces and content cycles. Under the law, platforms must take concrete steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts or face fines up to AUD 49.5 million. The government warns that if kids migrate to other apps, those too could be added to the list. While supporters applaud stronger digital protections for youth, critics worry about enforcement, privacy, and potential isolation of teens who rely on social media for social connection.
The Key points
- Australia’s new law prohibits under-16s from using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
- The government describes social media algorithms as “behavioural cocaine,” claiming they trap young users in a harmful digital purgatory.
- The Times of India
- Platforms must prove they’ve taken “reasonable steps” to block under-16 users — or face fines up to AUD 49.5 million.
- The list of blocked platforms is not fixed — more apps could be added if under-16s shift to them.
- Officials say social media contributes to peer pressure, anxiety, scams and online predation among teens.
- Some companies will use behavioural signals or birth-date verification to detect under-age users.
- One-time exceptions (e.g. educational content) have been dropped after government review.
- Critics — including privacy and child-rights advocates — warn the ban may drive teens to unregulated or riskier platforms.
- Some argue the law shifts responsibility from parents to government, raising concerns about overreach.
- The move has drawn global attention, as other countries debate whether to adopt similar youth social media regulations.
Disclaimer: This preview includes title, image, and description automatically sourced from the original website (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) using publicly available metadata / OG tags. All rights, including copyright and content ownership, remain with the original publisher. If you are the content owner and wish to request removal, please contact us from your official email to no_reply@newspaperhunt.com.
