SYDNEY, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Australia on Wednesday will become the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook.

The ban is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures as concerns mount over ‍the effects of social media on children’s health and safety.

Below is a summary of what other countries and tech companies are doing to regulate access to social media.

AUSTRALIA

A landmark law passed in November 2024 forces major social media platforms to block minors younger than 16 starting on Wednesday, one of the world’s toughest regulations targeting major tech platforms.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 m

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