Canberra, December 5 (RHC)-- Australia has passed legislation banning social media use for children under 16 years old. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touted the first-of-its-kind law as he spoke from Canberra.  “World-leading action to make sure social media companies meet their social responsibility.  Social media is doing harm to our children. … Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.”

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram could be fined up to $33 million if they systematically fail to prevent users younger than 16 from having accounts. 

It’s unclear if the ban will affect ties between the U.S. and Australia.  Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, blasted the ban as a “backdoor way” for the Australian government to control internet access. 

In response, Albanese said of Musk: “He has an agenda.”

[ SOURCE: DEMOCRACY NOW ]