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Outback Teen Faces Social Media Blackout
9 Dec
Summary
- Australia's new law bans social media for those under 16.
- Teens struggle to connect with friends due to the ban.
- A constitutional challenge questions the law's validity.
Australia is implementing a pioneering law that prohibits individuals under 16 from accessing social media platforms starting Wednesday. This legislation affects millions of young Australians, including 15-year-old Riley Allen, who lives on a sheep ranch and fears losing touch with his geographically dispersed friends.
The government is enforcing the ban with potential fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars for non-compliant platforms, which are already beginning to remove underage accounts. This move is supported by some parents who believe it addresses social media's harms, while others worry about its broad application.
However, the law faces a significant challenge. Two 15-year-old plaintiffs are pursuing a constitutional case, arguing the ban violates the implied right to freedom of political communication. A full court hearing is scheduled for February to address these constitutional concerns.
