Australia moves closer to banning social media for children under 16

Australia’s House of Representatives has approved a bill to bar children under 16 from using social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Reddit. The legislation, passed on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, now awaits Senate approval to become law, a step widely expected given bipartisan support.

A news report in The Hindu said that if enacted, the law would impose fines of up to AU$50 million (approximately $33 million) on platforms that fail to prevent young children from accessing their services. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland confirmed that the Senate would debate the proposal later in the day.

While the bill has gained support from major political parties, it has also sparked criticism from independent lawmakers. Concerns raised during parliamentary debates included the bill's rushed passage, its potential ineffectiveness, and privacy risks for users of all ages.

Independent MP Zoe Daniel argued that the legislation might achieve little in addressing social media's inherent risks. “This is more about giving parents the illusion that the government is tackling the issue than providing real solutions,” Daniel said, adding that no other country had opted for a similar law.

Critics also warned that restricting access could isolate children, push them toward unregulated online spaces, and discourage younger users from reporting harmful experiences.

Social media companies have expressed concerns over enforcement mechanisms and had requested a delay until June 2025 to allow for a comprehensive review of age-verification technologies. The government rejected this request but agreed to amendments designed to enhance privacy protections.

Opposition MP Dan Tehan highlighted that platforms would not be allowed to demand government-issued IDs, such as passports or driver’s licenses, to verify users’ ages. Digital identification via government systems would also be prohibited. “No law is perfect, but even small steps can bring meaningful change,” Tehan said.

Should the bill clear the Senate this week, platforms will have a one-year grace period to establish systems for enforcing age restrictions before penalties are imposed. The legislation aims to strike a balance between safeguarding children online and maintaining user privacy.

Australia’s move, hailed by some as a bold step in regulating digital spaces, has ignited a global debate about the role of governments in overseeing social media platforms and protecting young users.