Social media firms urge caution on early Australia under-16 ban data

Top social media platforms urged the Australian government not to place ​too much weight on early evidence ​showing most children still use their products despite a landmark under-16 ban, ​as lawmakers weigh tougher penalties and investigative powers for regulators.

Local heads of YouTube owner Google, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, Snapchat and TikTok fronted a Senate inquiry as lawmakers pressed them on multiple studies, including from ‌Australia’s internet regulator, ⁠showing some ⁠80% of minors were still on social media months after the ban took effect in December.