In a groundbreaking move, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, making it one of the strictest measures globally aimed at protecting young users online.
The legislation, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, seeks to safeguard children from harmful online content, including cyberbullying and hate speech.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the law, stating it positions Australia as a global leader in protecting the mental health and well-being of minors. He emphasized that the burden of enforcement lies with social media companies, which are now required to take “reasonable steps” to ensure users meet the age requirement.
Under the new regulations, platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and X are included, while others, such as YouTube and messaging apps like WhatsApp, are expected to be exempt. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to AU$49.5 million (approximately $32 million).
Acknowledging potential challenges, the prime minister remarked, “We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”
The legislation specifies that users will not be required to provide government-issued identification for age verification, addressing privacy concerns raised by opposition lawmakers. However, details on how platforms will implement the restrictions remain unclear.
Experts anticipate significant global attention on how Australia enforces this sweeping law while balancing privacy concerns and innovation in the digital space.
