“It’s Not Our Choice”: Elon Musk’s X Falls in Line With Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Australia has drawn a firm line in the digital sand, and even Elon Musk’s X has had to step back.

The social media platform formerly known as Twitter confirmed this week that it will comply with Australia’s sweeping new law banning children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms. The message from X was blunt and carefully worded.

“This is not our choice,” the company said, pointing directly to Australian law as the reason young users will be barred from the platform.

A World-First Move That Left No Platform Untouched

Australia’s under-16 social media ban is one of the toughest digital regulations introduced anywhere in the world. The law applies to 10 major platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and now X.

X was the last of the affected platforms to publicly outline how it plans to enforce the ban, ending weeks of speculation about whether Musk’s free speech-first approach would clash with Australia’s rules.

There is real pressure behind the compliance. Companies face fines of up to US$33 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 who are based in Australia.

For platforms already under scrutiny for how they handle user safety, this is not a symbolic law. It comes with teeth.

Why Australia Is Taking Such a Hard Line

The Australian government has framed the ban as a necessary response to what it calls “predatory algorithms” targeting children.

Officials argue that young users are being exposed too early and too often to online bullying, sexual content and violent material. In a country where conversations about youth mental health are already front and centre, social media has become a political and cultural pressure point.

Parents’ groups and child safety advocates have largely welcomed the move, seeing it as overdue protection rather than censorship.

Online Reaction Is Split

The reaction online has been predictably divided.

Some users praised Australia for doing what other governments have hesitated to attempt, calling it a rare example of tech companies being forced to adapt to public interest rather than the other way around.

Others questioned how enforceable the ban will be in practice, with many pointing out how easy it already is for minors to lie about their age online.

Musk himself has not directly commented, but X’s statement suggests the company is keen to be seen as complying without endorsing the policy.

What Happens Next

Australia’s decision is already being watched closely by regulators in Europe, the UK and parts of Asia. If enforcement proves effective, it could set a global precedent.

For now, one thing is clear. In Australia, the rules have changed, and even the world’s most outspoken tech billionaire is not exempt.

{Source:EWN}

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