In Australia's social media ban, template for the world (The law may set off a global push for young users’ online safety. India’s approach, meanwhile, is focused on parental consent), Pg17

Key Highlights:

• Australia has become the first country to enforce a minimum age for social media use, requiring platforms to block accounts of users under 16.
• The 'Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act' mandates platforms to deactivate or remove accounts of under-16s and prevent new accounts.
• Platforms failing to comply with the law risk fines of up to $33 million.
• India's data protection framework requires tech companies to seek parental consent for users under 18, prohibiting behavioral tracking and targeted advertising.
• Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube are covered under the Australian law, requiring them to take steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

Detailed Insights:

• The Australian law aims to protect young people from online risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content, stemming from platform design features that encourage excessive screen time.
• The Australian government initially exempted YouTube but reversed this decision after a regulator found it was the most cited platform for harmful content exposure among kids.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission has raised concerns that a blanket ban may curtail the right to free speech for under-16s.
• India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, requires verifiable parental consent for processing children's data and prohibits detrimental practices like behavioral monitoring.
• Tech companies have expressed concerns that the Australian law may remove parental controls and push teens to less safe platforms.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that takes place using electronic technology.
• Data Protection: Safeguarding personal information from unauthorized access or misuse.
• Parental Consent: Permission given by parents for their children's online activities.