Social media age ban clears legal test

AUSTRALIA'S world-leading ban on under-16s joining social media sites has cleared a big hurdle as a trial found digital age checks can work “robustly and effectively”.

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Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (R578m) for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November.

They have described the law — which is due to come into effect by the end of this year — as vague, rushed and “problematic”.

There has been widespread concern over children’s use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children’s mental and physical health.