SYDNEY, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister

Anthony Albanese said on Friday social media platforms now have

a social responsibility to ensure the safety of children, after

the country's parliament passed a bill banning those under the

age of 16 from using the services.

"Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the

safety of our kids is a priority for them," Albanese said in a

press conference.

"We're making sure that mums and dads can have that

different conversation today and in future days."

Australia approved on Thursday a social media ban for

children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that has gripped

the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the

world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.

The law forces tech giants from Instagram and Facebook

owner Meta to TikTok to stop minors from logging in or

face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial of

enforcement methods will start in January, with the ban to take

effect in a year.