Canberra, Australia – Australia has taken a bold step by approving the world’s strictest laws to ban children under 16 from using social media. The legislation, which won’t come into effect for at least a year, imposes hefty fines of up to A$50m on tech companies that fail to comply. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the necessity of this law to shield young individuals from the potential dangers posed by social media, a sentiment echoed by numerous parent groups.
This move by Australia is part of a global effort to limit children’s access to social media, setting the minimum age at 16 – the highest among all countries. Unlike previous attempts, this law does not provide exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent. The decision to implement this ban has received mixed reactions, with concerns raised about its practicality, privacy implications, and impact on social interactions.
The bill, passed in the Senate by a vote of 34 to 19, has now made its way through the House of Representatives. While the specifics of which platforms will be banned are yet to be determined, Australia’s communications minister will collaborate with the eSafety Commissioner, an internet regulator tasked with enforcing the rules, to make informed decisions. Popular platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are expected to be included in the ban, while gaming and messaging apps are exempt.
Critics have highlighted potential loopholes in the age-verification technology that will be used to enforce the restrictions, emphasizing the need to safeguard users’ privacy. Concerns have also been raised about the ability of users to circumvent the ban using tools like VPNs. Despite these reservations, a majority of Australian parents and caregivers reportedly support the ban, viewing it as a measure to protect children from the negative effects of social media addiction.
In response to criticisms from tech giants like Google, Snap, and Meta (formerly Facebook), the government defended the legislation as a necessary step to ensure the well-being of young users. However, experts caution that the ban may not effectively address the risks associated with social media usage and could potentially drive children towards less regulated online spaces.
As Australia’s laws on children’s social media use draw global attention, other countries like Norway have expressed intentions to follow suit. The UK’s technology sector has also hinted at the possibility of implementing a similar ban in the future, highlighting the growing concern over the impact of social media on young individuals.
