Australia on Wednesday became the first country to ban social media for users younger than 16, blocking access to 10 platforms.

Among the sites included in the ban are X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, according to Reuters. If the platforms do not comply, then they will face fines of up to $49.5 million in Australian dollars, which is $33 million in U.S. dollars.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly will in a video message to be played in schools this week that the ban aims to support young Australians and ease the pressure that endless feeds and algorithms can cause.

"Make the most of the school holidays coming up. Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf," Albanese said. "And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face."

Initially, the ban covers 10 platforms, but the Australian government said the list would change as new products emerge and young users switch to alternatives.

Elon Musk's X said it will comply with the law by using age inference – guessing a person's age from their online activity – or age estimation, which is usually based on a selfie. The social media platform might also check uploaded identification documents or linked bank account details.

Musk has said the ban "seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians." Most platforms have said that the law violates people's right to free speech.

Before the ban took effect, 86% of Australians ages 8 to 15 used social media, according to the government.