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The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.