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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.