Tue, 02 Dec 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 Australia won't be intimidated by firms over social media ban, minister tells BBC

Anika Wells says she is ready to help nations which wish to copy Australia's social media ban for under-16s.

* Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells says she is not intimidated by tech companies that disagree with the country's social media ban for under 16s.
* The government claims that social media firms have had 15-20 years to improve their practices, despite research showing harm caused by their platforms.
* Wells said speaking to parents who have lost children due to online harm keeps her "strong" and motivated to push through with the policy.
* Australia's e-Safety Commissioner will be called to testify in front of US Congress amid concerns from Washington about the ban.
* The government is aware that other countries may follow suit, but Wells said they are focused on doing what is best for Australian children and taxpayers.
* Critics argue that online gaming should also be included in the ban, citing platforms like Roblox as a concern.
* Over the next two years, the government will review the effectiveness of the ban.
* The policy aims to give parents more control over their children's online activities and has been hailed as a "world-first" by some.
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