Australia has added the platforms Reddit and Kick to the list of those that must prohibit children under 16 from having accounts, joining other social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This measure, which will come into effect on December 10, requires platforms to take steps to exclude users under 16, under the threat of fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars.
The Minister of Communications, Anika Wells, emphasized that platforms must use technology to protect children online. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will monitor the implementation of this ban and will collaborate with researchers to assess the impact on children. The measure is being observed with international interest, and critics fear it will affect user privacy, as they will have to prove their age.
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