SYDNEY: Elon Musk’s X said Wednesday it would comply with Australia’s world-leading crackdown banning under-16s from social media.
“It’s not our choice — it’s what the Australian law requires,” the company said in a statement as the legislation came into effect.
Formerly known as Twitter, X was the last of 10 restricted social media platforms to set out how it will implement Australia’s ban.
All platforms — including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok — have now agreed to take steps to remove young users.
They face US$33 million fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to purge Australia-based accounts belonging to users younger than 16.
The Australian government says unprecedented measures are needed to protect children from “predatory algorithms” filling phone screens with bullying, sex and violence.