1 hour ago Teens hoping to get around Australia’s social media ban are rushing to smaller apps. Where are they going?

As Meta begins deleting accounts and the deadline looms, children have already begun to flock to platforms not included in the banned list, like Coverstar, Lemon8, Yope and RednoteAustralia social media ban explained: everything you need to knowGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAs Australia prepares to block under-16s from accessing 10 of its largest social media platforms, less prominent companies have begun courting the teen market – in some cases paying underaged influencers to promote them.One teenaged TikTok influencer said in a paid “collab” video for the app Coverstar: “The social media ban is fast approaching, but I found the new cool app we can all move to.” Continue reading...

Politics

27 h. ago Social media ban: Instagram and Facebook begin shutting down under

Ban due to take effect next week, but Meta has started deactivating accounts alreadyAustralia social media ban explained: everything you need to knowFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFacebook and Instagram began shutting down half a million accounts of users under 16 years old on Thursday as the deadline for Australia’s social media ban looms.The under-16s social media ban is due to take effect from 10 December, but Meta alerted users last month that it would begin shutting down accounts from 4 December.Do you know more? Email josh.taylor@theguardian.com Continue reading...

Technology

32 h. ago Australia to ban under 16s from social media with fines up to £24m

The regulator said courts could impose maximum penalties for repeated violations.

Economics

36 h. ago Australia’s social media ban explained and what it means for the UK

Australia has passed world-first legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. But what does this mean for the UK? Will bans come into place? Here are the essential facts

Politics

36 h. ago Australia's under 16 social media ban sparks debate as users call for UK to do the same

As Australia's social media ban for under 16s looms, users have shared mixed reactions, but could the UK follow suit and ban young people from using popular social media apps too?

Politics

50 h. ago Australia social media ban: when is it, how will it work and what apps are being banned for under

Will the ban be delayed or postponed, and how will age verification work? Platforms will need to deactivate accounts for users under 16 and stop teens from making accounts until they are that age, or face fines of up to $50m. Here’s everything you need to knowGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s world-first social media ban for children under the age of 16 is just a week away.The tech platforms – large and small – are working on functionality that will kick off existing under-16 account holders and prevent any new ones from signing up. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Lucas Paqueta risks ban for emotional outburst on social media after West Ham vs Liverpool

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has spoken out on social media platform X after his red card against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Events

5 d. ago Man Utd star who 'liked' social media post ridiculing Ruben Amorim faces ban

One Manchester United defender recently reacted to a social media post criticising Ruben Amorim

Politics

8 d. ago Teenagers sue government over nationwide social media ban for ‘violating their right to communicate’

High Court challenge says law imposing ban is ‘grossly excessive’ and infringes on ‘constitutional right of freedom of political communication’

Politics

8 d. ago Australian teenagers sue government saying social media ban violates their right to communicate

High Court challenge says law imposing ban is ‘grossly excessive’ and infringes on ‘constitutional right of freedom of political communication’

Politics

8 d. ago Australia will enforce a social media ban for children under 16 despite a court challenge

The Australian government says children under 16 will be banned from social media next month as scheduled despite a legal challenge

Events

1 week ago Another country set to join Australia with ban on social media for children

Australia’s move is being closely watched by countries that share concerns about social media impacts

Politics

1 week ago After Australia, now Malaysia to ban children under 16 from social media

Malaysia joins growing list of countries imposing ban on social media usage for children

Politics

1 week ago Snapchat to tell 440,000 Australians to prove they’re 16 or accounts will be locked in social media ban

In-app notifications go out this week to users believed to be aged under 16 ahead of 10 December social media banFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSnapchat is about to begin alerting some users that their accounts will be deactivated when Australia’s under-16s social media ban takes effect from 10 December.Users that the platform assesses are likely to be aged under 16 were due to begin getting notifications about the ban this week in-app, via email or SMS. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago 'World's sexiest footballer' Alisha Lehmann goes topless in bold new photoshoot

Alisha Lehmann has risked a social media ban as she shared some topless snaps on Instagram - leaving fans hot under the collar in the comments section

Events

1 week ago Twitch out but Pinterest stays. The rules behind Australia’s teen social media ban

The eSafety Commissioner said Twitch qualifies as a social media service

Politics

2 w. ago Meta alerts young Australians to download their data before a social media ban

Meta has started notifying young Australians to download their digital histories and delete their accounts from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

Events

3 w. ago Another country agrees to ban social media for children under 15

It wasn't immediately clear how such a ban would be enforced

Politics

4 w. ago Reddit and Kick among major platforms added to Australia’s world

Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to exclude children younger than 16 could be punished with a fine of up to £24m

Politics

last month Australia adds Reddit and Kick to social media platforms banning children under 16

Australia has added Reddit and Kick to its list of social media platforms that must ban children under 16 from having accounts

Events