Australia has enacted one of the world’s strictest social media laws, banning children under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Reddit.
The law, passed by the Senate with a vote of 34-19, makes social media companies liable for fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) for failing to enforce the age restrictions. The legislation, supported by both the ruling Labor government and the center-right Opposition, aims to address concerns about online safety and social media’s impact on young people.
Platforms will have a one-year grace period to develop age verification systems before penalties come into effect. However, companies will not be allowed to require government-issued ID or use government digital identification systems to verify users’ ages.
Critics of the legislation, including mental health and child welfare advocates, argue that it could have unintended consequences, such as isolating vulnerable children or driving them toward unregulated digital spaces. Some experts believe the law could disproportionately affect rural and LGBTQI youth, who often rely on social media for support and community. Despite these concerns, proponents say the legislation is a necessary step to hold tech companies accountable for prioritizing profit over safety.
Advocacy groups highlight tragic cases of online exploitation and abuse as evidence of the urgent need for regulation. The new law adds to the growing global trend of governments seeking stricter oversight of social media platforms, raising questions about the balance between user privacy, parental authority, and corporate responsibility.
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Platforms have expressed concerns about the law’s feasibility and urged the government to delay implementation until a comprehensive review of age-verification technology is completed. With a general election looming, the legislation could play a key role in shaping voter perceptions, as the government seeks to address parents’ concerns about social media addiction and safety for children. However, critics warn that rushed decision-making may lead to ineffective solutions and unintended risks.
