Australia: WhatsApp and Reddit could be banned for underage children! Fines of up to 290 crore rupees could be imposed..

Australia has now taken a major and comprehensive step to protect children. The government has expanded the scope of the ban on social media sites deemed unsafe for children.

These apps also come under scrutiny.
Until now, only Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube were on this banned list. However, now major companies like WhatsApp, Reddit, Twitch, and the gaming platform Roblox may also be included. If these rules are implemented, children under the age of 16 will not be able to use these platforms.

Companies can present their views.
This new potential list includes sites like Pinterest, Lego Play, the streaming platform Kickstarter, and the gaming platform Steam, among others. According to an ABC report, these companies have been allowed to present their views. If any company believes it should be exempted from this ban, it will need to present compelling arguments.

Breaking the rules will result in heavy fines.

Under Australian regulations, companies that fail to comply with the rules set by the e-Safety Commission can face hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately ₹290 crore). However, some experts believe the current law is too vague and difficult to enforce properly. Affected companies have also described these rules as problematic and hastily drafted.

The government's focus in the upcoming new regulations is also on controlling online adult and AI (artificial intelligence)-generated content. Australia's Communications Minister says companies will have to self-regulate. Fortunately, Roblox has agreed to measures to protect children from online grooming in Australia.

Regulators will now focus more on platforms with a high number of users and a higher risk to children. These new regulations are aimed squarely at keeping children safe and protecting them from online harm.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.