In a groundbreaking move, Australia has become the first country in the world to pass legislation banning social media access for children under 16. The new law, approved by the Senate on Thursday, requires tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms or face hefty fines.
This legislation represents the most stringent response yet to the growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. While other countries have imposed restrictions, Australia is the first to hold companies directly accountable for breaches of a nationwide ban.
The ban is expected to apply to popular platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X, with the potential for the list to expand. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the age limit of 16, arguing that children at that age are better equipped to identify online risks and dangers.
The bill received support from both the ruling Labor party and the opposition Liberal Party, with many legislators emphasizing the need to protect young people from the potential harms of social media.
However, the legislation has also faced criticism, particularly for its rapid passage through parliament. Opponents argue that the law was rushed through without sufficient scrutiny and that it could have unintended consequences, such as pushing young people into further isolation and limiting their freedom of expression.
Tech companies have also raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing the ban and the potential privacy implications of age verification methods. Some companies have suggested alternative approaches, such as device-level age verification or waiting for the results of ongoing age assurance trials.
Despite these concerns, public opinion appears to be largely in favor of the ban, with a recent poll showing that 77% of Australians support the measure.
The government is expected to consult with stakeholders before setting a cutoff date for the ban’s implementation. After that date, social media accounts belonging to children under 16 will be deactivated.
The law’s passage marks a significant step in Australia’s efforts to regulate social media and protect young people from its potential harms. The effectiveness of the ban and its long-term impact on children’s online experiences remain to be seen, but it has undoubtedly sparked a global conversation about the role of social media in society and the need for greater accountability from tech companies.
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