Social media companies slam Australia's under-16 ban

SYDNEY, Nov 29 (AFP): Social media giants on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law banning them from signing up under-16s, describing it as a rush job littered with "many unanswered questions".

The UN children's charity UNICEF Australia joined the fray, warning that it was no "silver bullet" and could push kids into "covert and unregulated" spaces online.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban may not be implemented perfectly -- much like existing alcohol restrictions -- but it was "the right thing to do".

The crackdown on sites like Facebook, Instagram and X, approved by parliament late Thursday, will lead to "better outcomes and less harm for young Australians", he told reporters.

Platforms have a "social responsibility" to make children's safety a priority, the prime minister said.

"We've got your back, is our message to Australian parents."