Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s
Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming apps
TL;DR
- Under-16s will be banned from major social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and X.
- Online products not covered by the ban, such as gaming apps, will face restrictions on features like chatting with strangers.
- Teenagers up to 18 will face restrictions on late-night scrolling.
- Under-18s will be banned from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbots.
- The government cites a consultation where nine out of 10 parents backed a minimum age of 16 for app access.
- Concerns about harmful addictive content and contact with strangers are key drivers for the measures.
- Potential enforcement methods for age verification include facial scans, personal IDs, and banking information.
- Industry groups warn that blanket restrictions could push children towards riskier, unregulated alternatives.
- Some child safety campaigners question the enforceability and effectiveness of the ban, suggesting it may create a false sense of security.