Australia moves step closer to world-first social media ban for under-16s

The ban has been criticised by some rights groups who say it would deprive vulnerable children of a social safety net [David Gray/AFP]

Australia’s lower house of parliament has voted overwhelmingly to pass a landmark bill banning the use of social media by children under 16.

The bill passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday targets social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X with fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32m) if they fail to comply with the ban.