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Conversation: Australia's Communications Minister backs under-16 social media ban NHK

A: Hey there! Heard anything interesting lately?

B: Not really, what's up?

A: They just passed a new law in Australia! The Communications Minister, Anika Wells, said it's to change the culture.

B: Oh, really? What's this law about?

A: Major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can't let kids under 16 use their services anymore!

B: Wow, that sounds tough! But how are they going to check if users are of age?

A: Well, it might be tricky, but the companies have to do it. Anika said there's a clear responsibility for them under this new law.

B: I see... So what happens if they can't verify the ages properly?

A: If they find an account belonging to someone under 16, they have to deactivate it. And if users try to go around the system, companies need to figure that out too and stop it.

B: That sounds like a big challenge! What does Anika think about this?

A: She said it's not a magic cure, but an important step towards reducing harm on social media for kids.

B: I get it. So what do they plan to do if things don't work out as intended?

A: They'll review the law in about two years and make improvements as needed! Anika called it a "world-leading" reform, but she said all big changes can look messy at first.
Summary
Australia enacts new law to ban major social media platforms from allowing users under 16, citing a need for culture change. Companies must verify ages and deactivate accounts of minors, with potential penalties for circumventing system. Minister Anika Wells acknowledges challenges but calls it an
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2025/12/11 08:03 Anonymous 231 102s 135
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ID: 56edc89c-6354-4886-91db-baa6bbca350f

Category ID: conversation_summary

URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251210_22/#conversation

Date: Dec. 10, 2025

Notes: 2025-12-10

Created: 2025/12/11 01:40

Updated: 2025/12/11 08:03

Last Read: 2025/12/11 08:03

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