Australia approves landmark social media ban for children under 16
In a move that has sparked both praise and controversy, the Australian government on Thursday approved a landmark law banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The law, aimed at curbing the negative mental health impacts of online interactions, sets one of the toughest regulations globally on tech giants such as Meta (Instagram, Facebook), TikTok, and others.
The Social Media Minimum Age bill will require platforms to prevent minors from logging in, with fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance. A trial to enforce the ban will begin in January, with the full law set to take effect in one year.
The legislation positions Australia as a global test case amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health. While countries like France and some U.S. states have implemented age restrictions for minors, Australia’s ban is absolute, unlike Florida’s under-14s ban, which is currently being challenged in court on free speech grounds.
For Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the law represents a political victory in a tough election cycle, with polling showing 77% of Australians support the measure. However, the bill faced strong opposition from privacy groups, some child advocacy organizations, and tech giants. Critics argue that it could harm vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQIA and migrant youth, by restricting their access to support networks.
The debate has been emotive, with evidence presented at a parliamentary inquiry showing the devastating effects of social media bullying, including self-harm among children. This evidence was reinforced by a powerful campaign, “Let Them Be Kids,” led by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, the nation’s largest newspaper publisher.
However, the new law could strain Australia’s relationship with the United States, especially with tech figures like Elon Musk, who expressed concern that it could be a “backdoor way to control access to the internet” for all Australians. This comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between Australia and U.S.-based tech giants, which have already faced regulatory challenges in the country.
A Meta spokesperson said the company respected Australian law but was concerned about the rushed process of legislation and its potential impact on young users. “We believe the legislation failed to properly consider evidence, industry practices, and the voices of young people,” the spokesperson said. Similarly, Snap, parent company of Snapchat, acknowledged that while it would comply, it raised concerns over the bill’s practical implementation.
While the law is hailed by many parents and anti-bullying advocates, it has sparked debate about its long-term consequences. Enie Lam, a 16-year-old student from Sydney, voiced concerns that the ban could push young people to more dangerous, less visible parts of the internet. “It will only create a generation of young people who will be more technologically literate in bypassing these walls,” she said.
Youth advocacy groups have also raised alarms about the potential for increased data collection and surveillance, warning that the law could infringe on the human rights of young Australians by limiting their participation in social life. The bill was amended at the last minute to ensure platforms offer alternatives to users submitting identification documents to verify their age.
Despite these concerns, the law passed in the Senate with a 34-19 vote late Thursday. As Australia moves forward with this unprecedented social media crackdown, it will continue to face intense scrutiny from both domestic and international quarters. The world will be watching to see if this strict regulation serves as a model or cautionary tale for other governments grappling with the challenges of social media and youth mental health.
