The legislation would impose fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) on platforms for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday social media firms would be required to destroy personal data used to verify ages of users, as part of what the government says is a world-leading ban on under-16s using the services.

Social media sites are lobbying the Australian government to delay its proposed age limits for children younger than 16. View on euronews

When U.S. lawmakers seem to have outdated ideas of how internet regulation needs to happen, Australia comes along and says hold my beer. A law proposed in parliament would ban social media access for all children under the age of 16, placing stiff fines on platforms that don't comply.

Australia's centre-left government on Thursday introduced a bill in parliament that aims to ban social media for children under 16 and proposed fines of up to A$49.5 million for social media platforms for systemic breaches.

Australian communications minister says the government won’t force social media users to hand over personal information to tech companies, as children younger than 16 are set to be banned from the platforms.

Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids under 16 could reshape digital parenting worldwide. Learn how this new law prioritizes mental health, safety, and responsible online use, and why U.S. parents are taking notice.

An advocate for major social media platforms has told Australia’s Parliament that a plan to ban children younger than 16 from the sites should be delayed rather than being rushed to approval this week

The law could lead to fines up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) on social media platforms if they don't prevent children from having accounts