In a bold move to enhance online safety, Australia has passed new legislation prohibiting children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). The law, driven by concerns over the negative impact of social media on young users, was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who emphasized the importance of protecting children from online threats such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content.
“This is for the mums and dads,” Albanese stated during a press briefing. “Social media is doing real harm to our kids, and it’s time to act.”
Responsibilities Shift to Tech Companies
Unlike previous online safety measures that placed responsibility on parents, the new law mandates that social media platforms themselves will be accountable for enforcing age restrictions. Companies will be required to implement robust age verification systems to prevent underage users from creating accounts or accessing their services. Failure to comply will result in significant penalties, though no fines or legal actions will target parents or children.
Bipartisan Support and Broader Online Safety Strategy
The legislation has received widespread bipartisan support in Australia, reflecting a growing consensus on the need to regulate Big Tech and protect young users. This initiative follows other recent measures aimed at increasing digital safety, including laws to combat online misinformation and the distribution of non-consensual deepfake content.
The bill will be presented to state and territory leaders before being introduced in the national parliament by the end of November. If passed, Australia will become one of the first countries to impose such stringent age-based restrictions on social media usage.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the practicality and privacy implications of mandatory age verification systems, particularly how platforms will collect and manage sensitive data. Advocates for digital privacy and children’s rights will be closely watching the rollout of this legislation.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Australia’s new law signals a shift towards stricter regulation of social media, potentially setting a precedent for other countries grappling with similar challenges.
