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The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.