Australia is advancing legislation to prohibit individuals under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The proposed law, introduced to Parliament in November 2024, aims to safeguard young people’s mental and physical health by restricting their use of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation

  • Age Restriction: Individuals under 16 would be barred from creating or maintaining accounts on specified social media platforms. This measure is intended to mitigate exposure to harmful content and reduce risks associated with social media use among minors.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: Social media companies would be responsible for implementing robust age-verification systems to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms. Non-compliance could result in fines up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 32 million USD) for systemic breaches.
  • Exemptions: Certain services, including messaging applications like WhatsApp, online gaming platforms, and educational resources such as Google Classroom and YouTube, would remain accessible to users under 16. These exemptions recognize the importance of maintaining educational and social connections for young people.

Rationale Behind the Legislation

The Australian government cites concerns over the negative impact of social media on youth, including increased anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to protect children from these risks, stating that social media is “doing harm to our kids.”

Support and Opposition

  • Support: The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with both major parties recognizing the necessity of protecting children online. A YouGov survey indicated that 77% of Australians approve of the proposed age restrictions. Reuters
  • Opposition: Critics, including tech companies like Google and Meta, argue that the bill is premature and advocate for awaiting the results of ongoing age-verification trials before implementation. Youth advocates express concerns that the ban could isolate children from essential social connections and support networks. AP News

Current Status

As of November 28, 2024, the House of Representatives has passed the bill with a vote of 102-13. The Senate is expected to debate the legislation soon. If enacted, the law would come into effect 12 months after passage, allowing social media companies time to comply with the new requirements.

Implementation Challenges

Enforcing the age restriction presents challenges, particularly concerning the verification of users’ ages without infringing on privacy. The government plans to introduce privacy protections to prevent platforms from requiring government-issued identification for age verification. The eSafety Commissioner will provide guidance on compliance measures to ensure that the verification process is both effective and respects user privacy.

AP News

In summary, Australia’s proposed legislation to ban social media access for individuals under 16 reflects a significant effort to address concerns about the impact of social media on youth. While it has received substantial support, the bill also faces criticism and poses implementation challenges, particularly regarding age verification and potential unintended consequences.