Squiz Today Weekly Wrap Preview: The world reacts to Australia's social media ban
Dec 12, 2025
Australia's new social media ban for under-16s sparks global reactions and sets off discussions about potential copies from other countries like New Zealand and Denmark. The law faces pushback from US lawmakers and tech giants, with some platforms mounting legal challenges. The hosts debate whether this regulation will prompt tech companies to adopt safer practices. Public support is strong, especially among parents, drawing parallels to Australia's proactive policy history. Tune in for a rundown of additional stories shaping the week!
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Imagining Teens Forced Offline
- Jodie imagined teens facing summer holidays with social apps disabled and joked about adults' own phone dependence.
- She used that image to highlight how embedded these platforms are in daily life.
Australia As Global Regulatory Test Case
- Australia's under-16 social media ban made global headlines as a potential tech-regulation test case.
- Countries and commentators are watching to see if this leads other governments or platforms to change behaviour.
Other Nations Eye Similar Laws
- Several countries including New Zealand, Denmark, France, Malaysia and Indonesia are considering similar age-based restrictions.
- Many of them explicitly reference Australia as the model for their proposed laws.