Australia has made history by passing a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Reddit. This legislation, aimed at safeguarding young users, imposes fines of up to AUD 50 million (£26 million) on platforms failing to enforce the age restriction.
The bill, which passed through the Senate with 34 votes to 19 and the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 102 votes to 13, became law on Friday following amendments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the move as a significant step in protecting children from online harms.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to prioritise the safety of our kids,” Albanese said. Platforms have been given a year to develop strategies for implementing the ban before penalties are enforced.
Industry Concerns
While some have praised the legislation, tech companies and advocacy groups have criticised its rushed nature. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, expressed concerns over the law’s rapid introduction and its potential implications.
Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), which represents platforms in Australia, stated, “The community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required. Questions remain about the law’s technical foundations and its broader impact.”
The law includes measures to protect user privacy, prohibiting platforms from requiring government-issued identification such as passports or driver’s licences for age verification. However, critics argue that enforcing age restrictions could infringe on privacy by forcing users to prove their age.
Mixed Reactions from Advocates and Experts
Child safety advocates have expressed both support and concern. Sonya Ryan, an online safety campaigner whose daughter Carly was murdered by an online predator posing as a teenager, called the law a monumental victory. “It’s too late for my daughter, but this will protect countless others from harm,” Ryan said.
Similarly, Wayne Holdsworth, whose son Mac died by suicide after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, said the law filled him with pride. “This legislation is a powerful step in preventing further tragedies,” Holdsworth remarked.
However, mental health experts warn of unintended consequences. Critics, including Sen. David Shoebridge of the Greens party, argue the ban could isolate vulnerable children, particularly those in regional areas and the LGBTQI+ community, who rely on social media for support.
“This policy risks harming the very people it seeks to protect,” Shoebridge told the Senate.
Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, echoed these concerns, saying the government had rushed into the decision without considering the positive role social media can play in young people’s mental health and connections.
“Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste,” Stone said.
Challenges for Enforcement
Platforms have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing the ban. Critics note the legislation was passed before a government evaluation of age-verification technologies due in 2025, leaving platforms scrambling to devise workable solutions.
A spokesperson for Meta said, “We respect the laws of the Australian Parliament but are concerned that this rushed legislation does not fully account for the evidence or the voices of young people.”
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Some industry observers argue the government’s decision was politically motivated, aimed at appealing to parents’ concerns ahead of a general election due by May. Critics fear the legislation could drive young users to unregulated parts of the internet or discourage them from reporting harmful content, potentially increasing risks.
Broader Implications
Supporters of the law, including Opposition Sen. Maria Kovacic, argue it is a necessary step to hold platforms accountable for the safety of their users.
“This is a responsibility these companies should have fulfilled long ago, but they have prioritised profit over safety,” Kovacic said.
However, others believe the legislation risks alienating children from the benefits of social media. Opponents warn it could undermine parents’ authority, reduce platforms’ incentives to improve safety, and fail to achieve its goals due to technical and enforcement challenges.
A Global Benchmark?
As the first law of its kind globally, Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s sets a precedent that could inspire similar moves in other countries. The coming year will be crucial in determining how platforms navigate the law and whether its ambitious aims can be realised without unintended harm.
The debate continues over whether the legislation represents a bold step forward or a rushed policy that risks exacerbating the problems it seeks to solve.
