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| The ban will be enforced by the nation's internet regulator |
Australia has passed legislation that will prohibit children under 16 from using social media, making it the world’s most stringent law on the issue. The ban, which will take effect in at least 12 months, could result in fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million) for tech companies that fail to comply.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for this legislation to protect young people from the dangers of social media, a concern echoed by many parent groups. However, critics argue that the implementation details remain unclear, and there are concerns about privacy and the impact on social connections.
This law is not the first of its kind, but it sets the highest minimum age for social media use globally, with a strict limit of 16. Unlike previous attempts, there are no exceptions for children with parental consent or for existing users.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34 to 19 late Thursday, then moved quickly through the House of Representatives early Friday. Albanese explained the aim of the law is to ensure that children can enjoy their childhood without the pressures of social media, reassuring parents that the government is acting in their best interest.
While the legislation does not specify which platforms will be affected, Australia's Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, has indicated that major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and X will be included. However, gaming and messaging services, as well as websites that do not require accounts, such as YouTube, will be exempt. The government plans to implement age verification technology, which will be tested over the next several months, with social media platforms required to adopt these measures.
Digital experts have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the age-verification technology, particularly if it involves biometrics or other personal data. Critics also warn that children could bypass the restrictions using VPNs, which hide their location and make it appear as if they are accessing the internet from another country.
Children who evade the ban will not face penalties. Polling suggests strong support for the law among Australian parents and caregivers, many of whom feel caught between the dangers of giving their children access to social media or facing the risk of them feeling isolated.
However, some experts argue that the ban is too simplistic and may push children into even more unregulated areas of the internet. Tech companies such as Google, Snap, Meta, and TikTok have criticized the lack of detail in the law. TikTok pointed out that the government’s broad definition of a "social media platform" could potentially cover almost any online service, while X raised concerns about the bill's compatibility with international laws and human rights treaties.
Youth advocacy groups have expressed disappointment over being excluded from the decision-making process. The eSafety Youth Council, which advises the regulator, emphasized the importance of involving young people in creating solutions to the risks of social media.
Despite these criticisms, Albanese defended the legislation, acknowledging the complexity of the issue but asserting that it was the right move, much like the laws preventing children under 18 from consuming alcohol. He noted that perfect implementation is not the goal, but protecting children from harm is essential.
Globally, Australia’s move is being closely observed. France recently passed a law restricting social media access for children under 15 without parental consent, although many users bypassed the restriction using VPNs. In the United States, a similar law in Utah was struck down by a federal judge, ruling it unconstitutional. Norway has announced plans to follow Australia’s example, and the UK has said it is considering a similar ban.
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