Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, believes that the regulation has been rushed through without evidence and without considering what the industry already does or how young people view the matter.
Tiktok expresses disappointment, through a spokesperson:
It is highly likely that the ban will push young people towards the darker corners of the net where there are no guidelines, safety tools or protection.
However, the tech companies acknowledge that they will meet the Australian government halfway in developing methods to implement the new law.
How to control compliance with the law is highly unclear, which according to experts may lead to it being of more symbolic significance.
But Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is convinced that the ban will result in "better outcomes and less harm" for the country's young people.
We support you, is our message to Australian parents, said Albanese after the legislation was passed in parliament on Thursday.
