Meta accuses Australian government of failing to consider young people’s voices with world-first social media ban

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. A Meta spokesperson said ‘the task now turns to ensuring there is productive consultation’ on rules associated with the social media age ban. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

Social media company Meta has accused the Australian government of rushing to introduce an under-16 social media ban without properly considering the evidence and voices of young people.

But Australian politicians who supported the world-first legislation argue it is necessary to ensure another generation of teenagers do not experience “as much damaging content” in years to come.