users under 16

Australia's ban on under-16 social media users takes effect, as Meta, YouTube, and others remove users; platforms that don't comply risk up to AU$49.5M in fines

Accounts held by users under 16 must be removed on apps that include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch and Threads under ban

TikTok rolls out a new feature to show users under 16 a “wind down” reminder after 10PM, interrupting the feed and playing “calming music to help teens relax”

TikTok's new wind down feature will interrupt a teen's feed if they're using the app after 10PM.

Pinterest unveils new safety features; users ages 16 and older can now opt into either a private or a public profile; private is the default for users under 16

Instagram defaults new users under 16 to its most restrictive content setting, will prompt existing teen users to pick the setting, and adds a settings check-up

Sarah Perez / TechCrunch :

Senators Blumenthal (D) and Blackburn (R) unveil the Kids Online Safety Act, requiring platforms offer extra safety and privacy tools for users under 16

A bipartisan pair of senators on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping bill that aims to give parents more control over their children's time online …

Australia's Online Privacy Bill plans to make social media companies obtain parental consent for users under 16, with fines of up to ~$7.5M for non-compliance

Byron Kaye / Reuters :