Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the nation’s new social media ban for under-16s, calling it a necessary measure to protect young people, even as the rollout encountered early turbulence. Speaking on Sky News on Thursday, he said the law, which took effect a day earlier, would “ultimately save lives” despite initial confusion and resistance.

Strong Public and Political Support

The ban, which enjoys bipartisan support and approval from around three-quarters of Australian parents, requires ten of the world’s largest social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat to block underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million). The government has acknowledged that it may take time for companies to establish effective verificatio

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