SYDNEY, Dec 10 — Elon Musk’s X said today it would comply with Australia’s world-leading crackdown banning under-16s from social media.

“It’s not our choice—it’s what the Australian law requires,” the company said in a statement as the legislation came into effect.

Formerly known as Twitter, X was the last of 10 restricted social media platforms to set out how it will implement Australia’s ban.

All platforms—including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok—have now agreed to take steps to remove young users.

They face US$33 million fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to purge Australia-based accounts belonging to users younger than 16.

The Australian government says unprecedented measures are needed to protect children from “predatory algorithms” filling phone screens with bullying, sex and violence. — AFP pic