Australia Introduces Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia’s parliament has approved some of the world’s strictest social media regulations, banning individuals under the age of 16 from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. This historic legislation was passed on Thursday with bipartisan support from both parliamentary houses. Social media companies must now take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from creating accounts.
Key Highlights of the Legislation
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
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Social media companies failing to comply could face fines of up to AUD 50 million.
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Companies have criticized the law, calling it “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
Legislation Progress:
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The bill passed the lower house on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday evening, making its enactment certain.
Support from Leadership:
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Center-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese endorsed the new regulations, urging Australian parents to embrace the changes.
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He criticized social media, describing it as a “platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scams, and, at its worst, a tool for online predators.”
Youth Reactions
Young Australians, such as 12-year-old Angus Lidom, expressed dissatisfaction with the ban.
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“I want to continue using it to talk to all my friends. It will feel strange otherwise,” Lidom shared.
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Many teens are expected to seek ways around the restrictions. “I’ll find a way, and so will my friends,” he added.
Similarly, 11-year-old Elsie Arkinstall highlighted the value of social media for educational purposes, such as learning baking and art tutorials. “Children and teens should be able to explore these technologies because not everything can be learned from books,” she said.
Challenges in Enforcement
While the ban is among the toughest globally, the bill provides minimal details on enforcement. Experts have raised concerns that the legislation may be symbolic and challenging.
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Timeframe for Implementation: Regulators estimate it will take at least 12 months to finalize the enforcement details.
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Potential Exemptions: Platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube may be exempt, as they are often essential for entertainment, schoolwork, or other uses.
A late amendment ensures that Australia’s digital identity system cannot be used for age verification, addressing privacy concerns.
Global Implications
Australia’s move sets a precedent, with other nations likely to monitor its progress closely.
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Countries from Spain to Florida have proposed similar restrictions but have yet to implement them.
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China has already limited teen access, allowing children under 14 to spend no more than 40 minutes daily on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Additionally, China enforces strict controls on children’s online gaming time.
Social media expert Susan Grantham suggested adopting Finland’s model of digital literacy programs, teaching children to think critically about online content. Australia’s strict social media regulations aim to protect young users while sparking debates on privacy and enforcement. The world will be watching as this pioneering law takes effect.
