Australia has passed into law a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.

Australia will ban under-16s from using social media in a world-first law designed to protect children online.

The legislation was passed in the lower chamber of parliament on Wednesday and the Senate passed it on Thursday evening.

A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Parliament on Friday in a world-first law.

In a significant development, the Australian government has passed one of the world's strictest social media regulations, banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The law initially aims to protect young users from mental health risks but has sparked global debate.

A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Parliament on Friday in a world-first law.

A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Senate Thursday and will soon become a world-first law. The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million...

Australian Prime Minister Albanese approves law banning under-16s from social media for "better outcomes and less harm."

Platforms describe legislation as "vague, problematic, rushed".

Big Tech corporations on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law that bans youths under the age of 16 from accessing social media, saying the law was "rushed" through parliament.