Australia Passes Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has approved unprecedented legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, marking the strictest regulations of their kind worldwide. The measure passed the Senate with 34 votes in favor and 19 against.
Under the new law, major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat will be required to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million).
The ban will take effect after a 12-month implementation period, during which platforms must develop age verification systems. While gaming and messaging services are exempt, along with platforms that don't require accounts like YouTube, the specific list of affected services will be determined by Australia's communications minister in consultation with the eSafety Commissioner.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the legislation as necessary to protect young people's wellbeing. "We want young Australians essentially to have a childhood," Albanese stated. "We want parents to have peace of mind."
Recent polling suggests strong public support, with 77% of Australians backing the measures. However, tech companies and some experts have raised concerns about implementation challenges and privacy implications. Critics warn that determined users could bypass restrictions using VPNs, though children themselves won't face penalties for circumventing the rules.
Major platforms including Meta, Google, and TikTok have criticized the law's lack of detail. Youth advocates also expressed frustration at being excluded from policy discussions that directly affect them.
The legislation has caught international attention, with Norway considering similar measures and UK officials discussing comparable restrictions. The Australian model represents the highest age threshold attempted globally for social media access, surpassing France's recent under-15 restriction with parental consent.
As the 12-month countdown begins, all eyes are on how platforms will develop effective age verification while protecting user privacy - a balance that could shape future social media regulation worldwide.