MELBOURNE, Australia — In a landmark decision, Australia has passed a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. The legislation, approved by Parliament on Friday, aims to enhance online safety but has sparked intense debate about its potential consequences.
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Under the new law, platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to enforce the ban.
How the Law Passed
The Senate approved the bill on Thursday with a 34-19 vote, while the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported it earlier with a 102-13 vote. On Friday, the House endorsed Senate amendments, officially enacting the legislation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the law as a victory for concerned parents.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” Albanese said.
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Implementation and Industry Concerns
Social media platforms have been granted a 12-month window to develop methods for implementing the ban before penalties take effect.
However, major tech companies, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), have criticized the legislation for being rushed.
“The legislation had been rushed,” Meta stated, raising concerns about its technical foundations and implications for users.
Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), an advocate for social media platforms, expressed uncertainty about the law’s practical application.
“No one can confidently explain how it will work in practice,” said Sunita Bose, DIGI’s managing director.
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Privacy Protections Enhanced
The legislation includes provisions to bolster privacy protections. Platforms cannot require users to submit government-issued identification, such as passports or driver’s licenses, nor compel digital verification through government systems.
Critics, however, warn that verifying users’ ages could infringe on the privacy of all social media users.
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Diverging Opinions on the Impact
Child welfare and mental health advocates remain divided on the law.
- Supporters argue the ban is essential for protecting children from online predators and harmful content.
Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose daughter was tragically killed by an online predator, called the vote a “monumental moment” for child protection.
“It’s too late for my daughter, but let us stand together on behalf of all children,” Ryan said. - Critics, including mental health organizations, warn that the ban may isolate vulnerable children who use social media for support.
Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens party said the law could disproportionately harm LGBTQ+ youth and those in rural areas.
“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most by cutting them off from essential online connections,” Shoebridge said.
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Exceptions and Exemptions
The law includes exemptions for platforms offering health and education services, such as YouTube, Messenger Kids, Kids Helpline, WhatsApp, and Google Classroom.
Political and Social Implications
Opposition Senator Maria Kovacic defended the legislation as a necessary step.
“The core focus is simple: it demands social media companies take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users,” Kovacic said.
However, critics claim the government rushed the legislation to gain favor with parents ahead of a general election due by May.
Broader Industry Concerns
Platforms like Snapchat have committed to cooperating with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner during the implementation period but raised concerns about practicality and potential privacy issues.
“We will engage closely with the government to develop an approach that balances privacy, safety, and practicality,” Snapchat said in a statement.
Meta also criticized the rushed timeline, arguing it failed to consider existing safety measures and the voices of young people.
Critics Warn of Unintended Consequences
Opponents argue that banning social media for children under 16 could:
- Isolate children from online communities.
- Drive underage users to the dark web or unregulated platforms.
- Reduce incentives for platforms to improve safety measures.
- Undermine parental authority in managing children’s social media use.
Future of Social Media in Australia
As the government enforces its groundbreaking legislation, the world will be watching closely to see whether the law becomes a global model for online safety—or a cautionary tale of unintended consequences.
