Australia leads global push with social media ban for under-16s

CANBERRA: In a unprecedented move, Australia’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, setting a global precedent. The legislation, approved by 102 votes to 13 in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, is aimed at enhancing child safety online and addressing the growing concerns over the impact of social media on minors.
The new law targets major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Once implemented, these platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million) if they fail to enforce the age restriction.
The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval. If passed, Australia will become the first country in the world to legally prohibit social media access for minors under 16. Authorities will be required to establish a robust verification and monitoring system within a year to prevent underage users from accessing the platforms.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it addresses the urgent need to protect children from the harmful effects of social media, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and mental health issues. “This is a landmark moment for safeguarding our children’s well-being in the digital age,” said an Australian MP advocating for the bill.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such a ban and potential privacy implications. Civil rights groups have questioned whether the age verification system could compromise users’ personal data.
Global digital rights organizations are closely watching the legislation as it could inspire similar initiatives in other countries. Tech companies have so far refrained from commenting extensively on the potential impact but are expected to face significant challenges in adapting to the new regulatory landscape.
If enacted, this law could reshape the digital experience for millions of young Australians and ignite a worldwide debate on the role of governments in regulating online platforms.