Greek Prime Minister Dendias has called for social media companies to take action to protect teenagers from the negative effects of excessive online activity. He specifically targeted platforms that profit from children's data, stating that they have already made significant profits and should not prioritize making money over their users' mental health. In response to growing concerns about web addiction among Greek teens, the government is introducing measures such as a parental control website and an age verification tool with daily browsing limits associated with a specific device by early April.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267138-greece-announces-campaign-against-website-addictionThe Albanian government is taking measures to protect children from potential online threats, including increasing police presence at schools and enhancing cooperation with parents. This move comes amid concerns over social media use by minors in the European Union, where several countries have implemented restrictions on youth social media usage. The EU's incoming Polish presidency has also prioritized addressing mental health issues related to social media among children and adolescents.
https://www.politico.eu/article/teens-murder-drives-albania-ban-tiktok-one-year-edi-rama-stabbing-violence/YouTube has rolled out restrictions on videos that idealize certain fitness levels or weight groups, socially aggressive content, and repeated recommendations of videos that may be problematic for teenagers. The new rule is aimed at preventing teens from forming negative beliefs about themselves. YouTube will limit repeated recommendations of videos that compare and idealise physical features, are socially aggressive, or promote unhealthy behaviors. This is part of a broader effort to address concerns over the impact of social media on young people's mental health and well-being. The restrictions are being implemented in Europe and around the world, following guidance from YouTube's youth and family advisory committee.
https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/09/07/youtube-will-begin-limiting-access-to-fitness-videos-for-european-teens-heres-whyAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to implement a new law banning children under 16 from using social media, citing concerns over the impact of social media on young people's mental health. The law, which was passed by the government last month, will require social media companies to verify users' ages and prevent minors from accessing their platforms. Social media giants such as X, formerly known as Twitter, have been critical of the legislation, with Elon Musk, who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief, calling it a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians". The law carries fines of up to Aus$50 million for non-compliance.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/australian-pm-ready-to-engage-with-musk-on-social-media-teen-banAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media companies from allowing people under the age of 16 to access their platforms without parental consent. The move is aimed at reducing online harm, particularly bullying, which has led to tragic consequences for some families. Social media giants such as X, formerly known as Twitter, will face fines of up to Aus$50 million if they fail to comply with the new law. Albanese has stated that social media companies have a responsibility to prevent minors from accessing their platforms and has vowed to implement the legislation within the next 12 months.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/australias-pm-says-he-is-ready-to-engage-with-musk-on-social-media-ban-for-teens-amid-backlash-13840461.htmlThe Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has implemented a new law banning social media platforms from forcing users under the age of 16 to provide personal identity information, including digital IDs, to verify their age. The policy aims to protect children and teenagers from the negative impacts of excessive social media use, which research suggests can lead to psychological issues and low self-esteem. Despite concerns about freedom of expression and privacy, the law has been approved by parliament with a majority vote. Social media companies face fines of up to AU$50 million for non-compliance. The ban has sparked heated debates among parents, experts, and the public, with some welcoming it as a necessary measure to protect children while others see it as an overreach of government authority.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1947400/heres-why-australia-is-banning-social-media-for-children-teens-under-age-of-16Carly Kind, the Privacy Commissioner, has expressed concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers. She suggests that social media companies have a responsibility to make their platforms safer for young people, but notes that simply dismissing them from these platforms is not a viable solution.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-ve-turned-kids-into-outlaws-it-won-t-work-but-we-can-still-make-social-media-safer-for-them-20241201-p5kuv0.htmlAustralia has passed a law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, making it the first country to do so. The law, which is set to come into effect next year, prohibits the use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit, and X. The government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the move, citing concerns over the impact of social media on children's mental health and well-being. Social media companies will not be required to verify users' ages through digital IDs, but may face fines of up to AU$50 million if they fail to comply with the new law.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/australia-passes-law-banning-children-from-social-media-203102Australian lawmakers have moved a step closer to banning under 16s from using social media platforms, with the legislation passing through parliament's lower chamber on Wednesday. The ban, which is set to be debated by the Senate, would require companies such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts. If they fail to comply, they could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has championed the ban, citing concerns about social media's impact on young people, including peer pressure, anxiety and online predators. The legislation is one of the strictest in the world, but experts are sceptical that it can be implemented effectively due to the ease with which age restrictions can be circumvented.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1255779-australia-takes-step-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media