Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill aiming to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The legislation, which received broad support with a 102 to 13 vote, now moves to the Senate for final approval.

If the law is enacted, platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€30.4 million) for failing to block underage users. Social media companies would have a year to establish age restrictions before penalties are enforced. Amendments will also ensure platforms cannot demand ID documents like passports or driver’s licenses for verification.

The bill has sparked sharp criticism from independent lawmakers, who argue it was rushed and may fail to address the core harms of social media. MP Zoe Daniel called it “ineffective” and claimed it’s designed to reassure voters rather than solve problems. Others worry it could isolate children or push them to unsafe corners of the internet.

For advocates like Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his teenage son to an online scam, the bill represents a crucial step. “It’s not perfect, but it’s essential,” he said, calling for education to complement the legal changes.

The Senate is expected to approve the bill, but its implementation remains a challenge.

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Sony has announced that its PlayStation 2 (PS2) has sold over 160 million units worldwide since its 2000 debut, cementing its position as the best-selling video game console of all time. The updated figures were revealed as part of PlayStation’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, reflecting a rise from the previously reported 158.3 million units.

Launched at an MSRP of $299, the PS2 gained immediate popularity due to its backward compatibility with PlayStation 1 games, controllers, and memory cards. It also served as an affordable DVD player during the format’s early days. The console’s library boasts over 4,000 titles, including enduring franchises like God of War and Ratchet and Clank. Production ceased in 2013, but its legacy lives on, with remakes like Silent Hill 2 keeping its spirit alive.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch is closing in on the PS2’s record, with 146 million units sold since its 2017 release. Including the Switch Lite and OLED models, Nintendo’s hybrid console trails the PS2 by just 14 million units. With a successor in development, the Switch remains a strong contender to overtake the PS2 in the near future.

Within Sony’s lineup, the PlayStation 4 follows with 117 million units sold.

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