Australia bans teens (under 16) from social media; Meta urges adjustments
In Dec. 2025, Australia made history by enforcing a legislated social media ban for their citizens who are under 16 years of age. The world’s-first prohibition ruled that popular apps and websites — Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X among them — face US$33 million fines if they fail to purge Australia-based users younger than 16.
Australia becomes one of the first nations to push back so forcefully against tech companies with immense political power, in a move other countries are looking at closely. The government says unprecedented measures are needed to protect children from “predatory algorithms” filling phone screens with bullying, sex and violence.
Further, the country’s eSafety Commissioner says the new regulations aim to protect young Australians from “pressures and risks” they could face on social media, including “design features” that encourage higher screen times and content that can “harm their health and well-being.”
The new site includes separate sections for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision, Watch, and TV apps. It also brings the familiar “Today” tab to the web, with curated stories, top charts, and special events.
App pages now look more polished as well, with clearer icons for categories, awards, and events. There’s also a built-in search tool, so users can find apps directly.
One handy feature is the toggle in the top-left corner, which lets users switch between different App Store platforms. However, you still can’t download apps from the web version. It’s more for browsing and discovery than installation.
While Apple hasn’t shared any plans to expand the site’s functionality, this move shows a clear push toward making its app ecosystem more accessible across devices.
The leading tech giant believes that the best technology is designed with everyone in mind. That’s why their products and services have built-in features to help you create, connect, and do what you love, your way.
Apple’s long-standing commitment to accessibility is fundamental to everything they do. The tech leader trains and motivates its employees to innovate in terms of individual work performance and idea contributions for product development, design, and other processes.
Reference: Apple brings full App Store experience to the web – Technobaboy
Early this year (Jan. 12), tech giant Meta urged Australia to rethink its world-first social media ban for under-16s, while reporting that it has blocked more than 544,000 accounts under the new law. Australia has required big platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, to stop underage users from holding accounts since the legislation came into force.
Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta said it had removed 331,000 underage accounts from Instagram, 173,000 from Facebook, and 40,000 from Threads in the week to December 11. The company said it was committed to complying with the law.
“That said, we call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivizing all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans,” it said in a statement.
Meta renewed an earlier call for app stores to be required to verify people’s ages and get parental approval before under-16s can download an app. This was the only way to avoid a “whack-a-mole” race to stop teens migrating to new apps to avoid the ban, the company said.
Filipino youth need protection as well
On July 3, 2025, Sen. Panfilo Lacson introduced a bill that seeks to regulate social media usage among minors to protect the mental health and well-being of Filipino youth. The proposed legislation aims to impose strict age restrictions and penalties for violations to address growing concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.
Citing alarming studies that highlight the correlation between social media use and rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, Lacson emphasized the urgency of the situation. One in three children ages 0 to 18 in the Philippines are internet users.
Under the bill, minors shall be prohibited from accessing or using social media services. In contrast, social media platforms shall take “reasonable steps and age verification measures to prevent age-restricted users from registering, accessing, or continuing to use their social media service.”
Reference: Meta urges Australia to change teen social media ban
