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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.