Social media
News
Labor moves to fine tech giants $100 million and let users switch off algorithms
Communications Minister Anika Wells will release draft legislation this week forcing social media platforms to offer algorithmic opt-outs and actively prevent illegal content reaching users.
Technology
Five social media giants face A$49.5M fines over teen ban failures
Australia's online safety regulator is investigating Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube for potential breaches of the world's strictest social media age ban. A survey of 900 parents found 70% of under-16s who had accounts before the December ban still have access.
Mental Health
Teen Happiness Falls in Western Countries as Social Media Hours Rise
The 2026 World Happiness Report links heavy social media use to declining youth wellbeing. No English-speaking country made the top 10.