Australia is about to launch one of the world’s toughest attempts to keep young people off social media. Starting December 10, platforms deemed “age-restricted,” including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Facebook, and Threads, must prove they are removing or blocking users under 16. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (US$32.4 million).
For their part, tech giants say they’re already building safer systems: Meta will begin deactivating underage accounts on December 4, while Snapchat says minors can deactivate their profiles until they turn 16.
Governments worldwide are watching closely. Supporters view Australia’s move as the next step in digital safety evolution, revolutionary in the way adding seatbelts to cars or health warnings to cigarettes were. Critics, however, argue the ban is too heavy-handed, and some are simply unsure how enforceable it will be. But as global leaders study Australia’s eSafety model and draft similar legislation, more countries may soon follow.
Indeed, social media has become deeply woven into modern life, with billions relying on it to communicate, learn, and pass the time. And the hours people spend on these platforms only continue to rise. Curious to know which parts of the world are glued to their screens the most? Keep scrolling to find out.