Australia’s parliament on Thursday passed a world-first law banning social media for children under 16, putting tech companies on notice to tighten security before a cut-off date that’s yet to be set.

The ban came following the passage of a groundbreaking law in parliament.

The new law was drafted in response to what the Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described as a “clear, causal link between the rise of social media and the harm [to] the mental health of young Australians.

“We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs,” Albanese told reporters afterwards.

The new law by the Senate with 34 votes to 19 prohibits platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Reddit from allowing users under 16.

Companies found in violation could face fines of up to AU$50 million (US$32 million). YouTube has been excluded from the ban due to its educational content.

While the law has been hailed by some as a bold move to protect children, it has drawn criticism from academics, advocacy groups, and tech experts.

Concerns have been raised that the legislation could drive teenagers to unsafe spaces like the dark web or lead to increased isolation.

Questions about enforcement have also surfaced, with critics warning that rushed implementation could create privacy risks if companies require extensive personal data for age verification.

Amnesty International has recommended that the bill be reconsidered, argued “ban that isolates young people will not meet the government’s objective of improving young people’s lives”.

The bill received over 15,000 public submissions in a single day, many opposing the measure, after tech billionaire Elon Musk drew attention to the proposal on X.

The law will take effect in 12 months, allowing time for the government to trial age-verification technologies.

The World Health Organisation’s regional director-elect for Africa, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, has died while undergoing medical treatment in India, Tanzania’s parliament announced Wednesday.

Speaker Tulia Ackson confirmed that arrangements are underway to repatriate Ndugulile’s body, though she did not disclose the cause of death.

In August 2024, Ndugulile was appointed as the incoming Regional Director for the WHO African Region, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who completed two five-year terms in the role.

He was set to begin the role in February 2025.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus shared his shock and sadness over Ndugulile’s passing in a post on X.

Ghebreyesus posted, “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.”

Israel and Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon, have reached a 60-day ceasefire agreement.

US President Joe Biden said the deal would lead to a “permanent cessation of hostilities”. Biden added that the US would lead another push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Negotiators have described the Israel-Hezbollah deal as the foundation for a lasting truce.

During the period, Hezbollah fighters are expected to retreat 40 kilometres from Israel’s border, with Israeli ground forces withdrawing from Lebanese territory.

Hours before the agreement, Israeli forces bombarded Beirut’s southern border 20 times in two minutes, with Hezbollah saying it launched drones towards Israel.

On Tuesday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 25 people.

Despite the ceasefire deal, Israel has warned residents displaced by fighting not to return to their homes in Lebanon just yet.

Israel and Hezbollah intensified air strike exchanges in August.

Israeli troops began a land invasion of Lebanon almost two months ago.

On August 25, the Israeli military said 100 of its fighter jets launched pre-emptive strikes into Lebanon after identifying that Hezbollah was “preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory”.

Israel said the jets “struck and destroyed thousands of rocket launcher barrels” across dozens of launch sites in Lebanon.

Shortly after the strikes from Israel, Hezbollah said it launched hundreds of rockets and drones into Israeli territory.

The group said it fired more than 320 rockets, adding that the “first phase” of its attack against Israel was complete.

It said the strikes were a retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut by Israel.