Australia
A landmark law forced major social media platforms to block under-16s from December 2025. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($35.2 million).
Canada
The government introduced a digital safety bill in June that would ban social media for those under 16, with exemptions for platforms that meet certain safety standards.
Greece
Greece banned social media access for children under 15 in April. Platforms will need to be able to restrict users or face fines from January 1, 2027.
India
India's state Karnataka banned the use of social media by children under 16 in March. Its neighbouring state Goa is also weighing a similar ban, its IT minister said in January.
Indonesia
Indonesia in March introduced restrictions on social media access for under-16s. The measures are being implemented gradually and apply to platforms designated by the government as posing a high risk to minors.
Malaysia
Malaysia has begun barring those under 16 from registering accounts on social media platforms, its communications regulator said on June 1.
Portugal
Portugal's parliament approved a bill in February that requires explicit parental consent for children between 13 and 16 to access social media.
Turkey
Turkey's parliament passed legislation in April banning the use of social media by children under 15 and introducing new rules for digital platforms, including game software companies.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE approved a resolution in June that set a minimum age for social media use. The resolution prohibits children under 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts and restricts their access to the platforms' full features.
United States
California Governor Gavin Newsom on September 11 signed into law new restrictions barring children under 16 from exposure to addictive features on social media platforms and banning AI chatbot companion-containing toys.
US legislation aimed at forcing social media companies to do more to protect children and teenagers cleared a key political hurdle in May after Republican Senator Ted Cruz said he would support the bill.
Cruz said he would back the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require social media companies to "exercise reasonable care" in designing features that contribute to harm to minors, according to the bill.
XLC•
