Social Media Firms Raise 'Serious Concerns' Over Australian U-16 Ban

Two women sit on a bench looking at their phone in central Sydney. The Australian government says a new law aims to protect young people from the perils of social media (Credit: AFP)

Australia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences.

The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).