In a landmark decision, Australia’s parliament has passed a world-first law banning social media access for children under 16. This move, aimed at prioritizing youth safety online, sets a global precedent for regulating tech companies.
Sweeping Legislation Passed in Record Time
The Senate approved the bill late Thursday on the final sitting day of the year, marking the culmination of a rushed process that saw the legislation introduced, debated, and passed within a week. The new law mandates tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users or face fines of nearly 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the decision, saying, “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.” He emphasized the urgency, noting that social media can be a breeding ground for bullying, anxiety, and online predators.
Broad Support Despite Intense Debate
The legislation received support from major parties, including the opposition Liberal Party, whose Senator Maria Kovacic called it a “pivotal moment in our country.” However, it faced pushback from independents and smaller parties, such as the Greens.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young voiced strong objections, warning the law could further isolate young people. She criticized the major parties for rushing the legislation, saying, “It’s a race to the bottom to try and pretend who can be the toughest, and all they end up with is pushing young people into further isolation.”
Public Backing for Tough Measures
Despite criticism, the law enjoys significant public support. A recent YouGov poll revealed that 77% of Australians favor the ban.
Dany Elachi, co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance, praised the initiative but pointed out gaps in its coverage, such as platforms like Discord and YouTube Shorts. “I look forward to working with lawmakers in the months ahead to ensure the law is as effective as we can possibly make it,” Elachi said.
Tech Industry Pushback
Major tech companies, including Meta and TikTok, acknowledged the government’s objective of protecting children but criticized the rushed process. A Meta spokesperson emphasized the need for consultation to ensure feasible implementation without overburdening parents and teens.
Snap Inc. suggested “device-level age verification” as the best solution, while X, owned by Elon Musk, raised concerns about the impact on freedom of expression.
Concerns About Implementation and Consequences
Critics argue that the law might unintentionally expose children who evade the ban to unregulated content and deter them from reporting issues. Experts have also cautioned against the use of government documents, such as passports, for age verification—a recommendation the Senate committee adopted.
Next Steps and Broader Consultations
The government will now undertake extensive consultations to finalize a cut-off date, after which accounts of under-16s on social media platforms subject to the ban will be deactivated. While parents and children will not face penalties for breaching the ban, tech companies will need to prove compliance to avoid hefty fines.
As this bold policy unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively it balances child safety with practical enforcement challenges and the rights of young users.
