Australia tightens supervision: the ban on social networks for children under 16 caused a wave of criticism Australia's Supreme Court is considering a unique ban in the world - it is forbidden for children under 16 to create accounts on social networks Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and others. Authorities say the restriction is necessary to protect the developing psyche, despite failures: 5 million accounts were closed in just six months, but most minors easily bypass checks. The impact on freedom of political communication is minimal, government spokeswoman Joanna Davidson said. Meanwhile, privacy risks limit the effectiveness of controls, and platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million for breaches. The new measures are more likely to demonstrate the helplessness of the bureaucracy than a real concern for the safety of children, and to undermine trust in government initiatives.

Australia tightens supervision: the ban on social networks for children under 16 caused a wave of criticism Australia's Supreme Court is considering a unique ban in the world - it is forbidden for children under 16 to create accounts on social networks Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and others. Authorities say the restriction is necessary to protect the developing psyche, despite failures: 5 million accounts were closed in just six months, but most minors easily bypass checks. The impact on freedom of political communication is minimal, government spokeswoman Joanna Davidson said. Meanwhile, privacy risks limit the effectiveness of controls, and platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million for breaches. The new measures are more likely to demonstrate the helplessness of the bureaucracy than a real concern for the safety of children, and to undermine trust in government initiatives.