Australia has introduced a groundbreaking law that bans children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others. The legislation, passed by the Australian Parliament, holds platforms accountable for failing to prevent underage accounts, with fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million). The law aims to protect children from online harm, giving platforms a year to comply before penalties are enforced.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the measure, calling it a win for parents concerned about children’s safety online. However, Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) criticized the law, saying it was rushed and lacked clarity on implementation. The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), a platform advocacy group, raised concerns about the technical and practical challenges of enforcing the law.
Despite widespread support from major political parties, the law has faced opposition from mental health and child welfare advocates. They worry that the social media ban may have unintended consequences, particularly for children who use these platforms to seek support and build communities. Mental health experts fear that the law could lead to further isolation for vulnerable youth.
Amendments to the bill passed on Friday include provisions strengthening privacy protections. Social media platforms will no longer be able to demand government-issued identification like passports or driver’s licenses, nor can they require users to verify their identity through government systems. Critics argue that this could infringe on the privacy of all social media users, who may have to prove their age to use the platforms.
While the law aims to protect children, concerns persist about its long-term implications and the balance between safeguarding kids and respecting privacy rights. The debate continues as stakeholders, from industry leaders to child advocacy groups, grapple with the potential impacts of this new legislation.
