Social media ban: Australia initiates reform to protect kids
The Tribune Editorial: A surge in the use of VPNs (virtual private networks), which hide a user’s location, is expected as some children will explore ways to circumvent the ban
AUSTRALIA has taken the lead by banning social media for children under 16, a historic move which is being keenly watched by nations across the world. The ban has its fair share of supporters — many parents and children’s advocates — and detractors such as major technology companies and votaries of free speech. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the new law as proof that policymakers can curb online harms that have outpaced traditional safeguards. However, he has admitted that the implementation would be difficult and imperfect. India, which has over one billion Internet users — around one-third of the country’s population is under 18 — must look for takeaways from Australia’s model to address its own digital safety concerns.
