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Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.