Story perspectives

Australia, US, EU Push Tougher Limits on Under-16 Social Media

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia’s law threatens fines A$49.5 million for platforms that fail to block users under 16 and bans use for those children from December 10 2025.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz backs the Kids Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to exercise care in designs that could harm minors.
European Union (EU) is commissioning a panel to recommend an age limit, while Denmark, France, Greece and other states plan bans or restrictions for teenagers under 15 or 16.

History

Historical Context

Congress first tackled child-online safety in 1998 with the Child Online Protection Act, which courts blocked by 2009 after three injunctions. The 2003 Supreme Court upheld the narrower Children’s Internet Protection Act, allowing filtered funding for schools and libraries. That precedent of narrowly tailored rules underpins today’s FTC penalties and new privacy bills worldwide.

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Story summary

Australia’s law threatens fines A$49.5 million for platforms that fail to block users under 16 and bans use for those children from December 10 2025.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz backs the Kids Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to exercise care in designs that could harm minors.
European Union (EU) is commissioning a panel to recommend an age limit, while Denmark, France, Greece and other states plan bans or restrictions for teenagers under 15 or 16.

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