Australia will ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, following the approval of the world’s strictest laws on the issue, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89vjj0lxx9o">BBC News</a>.
Tech companies that fail to enforce the ban could face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the legislation is necessary to protect young people from the harms associated with social media, a sentiment echoed by many parent groups.
Critics have raised concerns about the practicality of the ban, questioning how it will be enforced and its potential effects on privacy and social connections for young people.
While other countries have attempted to restrict children’s social media use, Australia’s minimum age of 16 is the highest globally. This law does not include exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34 to 19 on Thursday night, then returned to the House of Representatives, where it passed early on Friday.
The legislation does not specify which platforms will be banned. These decisions will be made later by Australia’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, who will consult the eSafety Commissioner.
Rowland has indicated that major platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X will be included in the ban.
However, gaming and messaging platforms, along with sites accessible without an account (like YouTube), will be exempt.
The government plans to implement age-verification technology to enforce the ban. Social media platforms will be responsible for integrating these measures, with testing scheduled in the coming months.
Digital researchers have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the age-verification technology, which could include biometrics or identity information, and its potential impact on privacy.
Critics warn that children could bypass the ban using tools like VPNs, which allow users to mask their location and access platforms as though they are from a different country.
Children who circumvent the ban will not face penalties.
Limited polling suggests that the majority of Australian parents and caregivers support the proposed reforms.
Many experts argue that the social media ban is too broad and could push children into less regulated areas of the internet, potentially increasing risks. 
During a brief consultation period, tech companies like Google, Snap, and Meta criticized the legislation for lacking detail, with Meta calling it “ineffective” in achieving its goal of improving child safety.
TikTok also raised concerns about the bill’s vague definition of a social media platform, suggesting it could apply to nearly all online services.
X questioned the law’s compatibility with international regulations and human rights treaties.
Youth advocates also accused the government of misunderstanding social media’s role in young people’s lives and excluding them from the discussion.
In 2023, France introduced a law blocking social media access for children under 15 without parental consent. However, research shows that nearly half of users managed to bypass the ban using a VPN.
Norway has pledged to follow Australia’s example in implementing similar restrictions.
The UK’s technology secretary said that a similar ban is “on the table,” though he clarified that it is not a current priority.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Australia will not allow children under 16 to use social media. If tech companies don't follow this rule, they could be fined large amounts of money. The Prime Minister says it's to keep kids safe. Some people worry about how this ban will work and its effects. Australia has the highest age limit for social media use in the world. Some platforms will be banned, but others will be okay, like YouTube. The government will use technology to enforce the ban, but some experts are concerned. Other countries are also thinking about similar bans for kids.

Australia Approves Social Media Ban For Children Under 16

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has distanced itself from a statement allegedly issued by Commissioner Paul Nyathi, titled “Filming of Tragic Incidents and Legal Action.”
In a post on the ZRP’s official X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday evening, the police clarified that the statement is fraudulent and was not authored by Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP added that the statement was issued by an unidentified individual, and they urged the public to disregard it. Reads the post:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a fake press statement by a yet-to-be-identified person titled, ‘Filming of tragic incidents and legal action‘. The Police has not issued the statement.
The public and media are urged to dismiss it with the contempt it deserves. The signature on the statement is not that of Commissioner Nyathi and clearly shows that it has been doctored.
The police warns individuals and groups trying to issue statements on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police that the law will be applied on them without fear or favour.
</blockquote>
Below is the statement that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has formally distanced itself from:
<blockquote>
FILMING OF TRAGIC INCIDENTS AND LEGAL ACTION
The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns the distressing behaviour of individuals who choose to film citizens during tragic incidents, such as accidents or drownings, rather than offering assistance or calling for emergency services.
This conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also constitutes a violation of the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families.
In light of recent incidents, the ZRP supports pressing criminal charges against those who engage in this intrusive and harmful behaviour.
Filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without their consent or the consent of their families is unacceptable and warrants legal repercussions.
The primary concern in any emergency should be the safety and well-being of those involved. The act of filming or sharing such distressing footage is deeply disrespectful and adds unnecessary trauma to those already affected by the incident.
We fully support law enforcement in taking appropriate action against those who exploit these tragic moments for personal gain or notoriety.
The Police urges the public to prioritise compassion and responsibility during emergencies. Witnesses should focus on calling emergency services, providing aid if it is safe to do so, and respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved.
Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to fostering a community that values respect, empathy, and civic responsibility.
We encourage residents to stand together against this troubling trend and to act with humanity and decency in all situations.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe say they did not release a statement about filming tragic events. They say the statement is fake and should be ignored. The fake statement condemns people who film tragic incidents instead of helping. The police warn that making fake statements in their name is against the law. They want people to be respectful and help others during emergencies. It's important to focus on safety, not on filming. The police value empathy and responsibility in the community. They are asking people to be kind and respectful in all situations.

ZRP Denies Issuing Statement on Filming Tragic Incidents, Calls It Fake

The police in Zimbabwe are telling people to stop filming accidents and tragedies. They say it's wrong to film instead of helping or calling for help. It's not respectful to the victims and their families. The police may take legal action against those who film without consent. It's important to focus on helping in emergencies, not on filming. The police want people to show compassion and responsibility. They want everyone to work together to be respectful and helpful in tough situations.

Acting President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday accused social media abusers of causing panic buying of fuel and other basic commodities.
Chiwenga said this whilst officiating at the launch of the second phase of the centre pivot irrigation facility under the special maize programme at Farnley Farm in Chegutu yesterday. He urged Zimbabweans not to panic buy. Said Chiwenga:
<blockquote>We are currently facing problems with fuel and some are now hoarding the commodity. There are some who are now abusing social media to exacerbate the situation, resulting in people rushing to stock the commodity. We should avoid that because there is no journey that does not have obstacles. It is not right to cause unnecessary panic and we urge Zimbabweans not to panic. We expect that fuel be used in productive sectors. As Government, we are looking at ways to alleviate the problem so that it is solved in the shortest time possible, but we should use our resources responsibly.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/chiwenga-slams-use-of-social-media-to-cause-panic-buying/">Chronicle</a>

Chiwenga Accuses Social Media Abusers Of Causing Panic Buying Of Fuel, Basic Commodities

Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province called for the imposition of stiff penalties on people who abuse social media.
Zanu-PF’s Bulawayo provincial secretary for administration Elifas Mashaba said:
<blockquote>The party wants the Government to tighten screws on cyber crimes through putting tough control measures and policies that deter people from abusing social media platforms. We also agreed that pregnant pupils should be allowed to continue with their studies as well as availing loans to youths and women on softer terms.</blockquote>
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Zanu-PF Calls For Stiffer Penalties On People Who Abuse Social Media

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya has complained that people who are abusing social media through fake articles are destabilising the economy. Speaking to NewsDay, Mangudya said,
<blockquote>….Wrong decisions that people make due to fake news is beyond measure.
It’s just unfair. We are appealing to people not to politicise and abuse the social media because it’s not good for the nation. As monetary authorities, our job is to ensure that the economy is stable, so if you send such negative social media stories, what it means is that you are destabilising the economy…We are trying to build the economy but some are destroying it through social media.</blockquote>
<h4>Also Read, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/07/18/rbz-speaks-on-introduction-of-new-currency-says-zimbabwe-shall-continue-to-use-multicurrency-system/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">RBZ Speaks On Introduction Of New Currency, Says Zimbabwe Shall Continue To Use Multicurrency System</a></h4>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/07/central-bank-bemoans-social-media-abuse/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

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