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Australia has banned social media for children and teenagers under the age of 16.

This world-first ban has come into effect today (December 9), with dozens of companies being required to enforce the new rules in the country.

Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube are just some of the organisations impacted by the new legislation.

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The Australian government has said the ban has been put in place to protect children from harmful content, online grooming, cyberbullying and "predatory algorithms".

Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban, but companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million (£25 million) for breaches.

When the leg

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