_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
The Land Down Under finalized a long-promised goal this week: making social media platforms inaccessible for children under 16. Australia was the first democracy in the world to levy such a ban, but more countries are considering following in its footsteps.
_THE FACTS_
Australia’s left-wing government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, passed a ban via his large majority.
Australia’s conservatives also supported the legislation.
Data shows Australians’ mental health is in free fall, with hospital admissions for self-harm up over 40 percent.
Ten social media sites — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads — will be forced to block minors from accessing their platforms.
Reddit is already suing the Australian government, claiming it infringes upon speech.
However, Australia does not have an explicit freedom of speech, and the government clarifies that free expression “may be restricted on several grounds.”
Restrictions can include “filtering access to certain internet sites.”
Denmark is going to follow Australia by banning those 15 and under from social media. Norway, France, New Zealand, and Brazil are considering similar laws.
The United States was considering enforcing a ban, but Congress abandoned the bill.
_INSIGHTS_
A meteoric rise in depression — especially among young girls — and a raft of recent “sexploitation” cases have brought the dangers of social media to the forefront across Western countries, most of which do not have strong free speech rules.
US congressmen of both parties tend to agree on social media’s harms for minors, but Republicans remain concerned that legislation too sweeping would infringe on Americans’ First Amendment rights.
