Tech giants face hefty fines down under as new law aims to protect children’s online safety. The Social Media industry has spoken out against a new national policy passed into law by the Australian Parliament that bans children under 16 from using apps like Facebook, X and TikTok.

Australia has passed the world's first ban on social media use by children under 16 years old, a law that could hurt platforms like X, TikTok, Snap, Facebook and Instagram.

Australia has gone in hard after social media companies with an all-out ban for under-16s and fines for companies who do not comply.