The Australian Senate made history on Friday by passing a world-first social media ban for under-16s, making it a landmark moment in the effort to protect children online. The legislation, which targets popular platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram, aims to prevent children under the age of 16 from opening accounts on these sites. Failure to comply with the law could result in fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million).
The bill received overwhelming support from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with votes of 34-19 and 102-13, respectively. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese championed the bill as a critical measure to address concerns about internet child abuse and ensure the safety of young users on social media platforms.
Under the new law, platforms have one year to implement measures to enforce the prohibition on under-16s opening accounts before facing fines. However, critics of the legislation have expressed concerns about its rushed nature and potential impact on minors’ privacy and technological basis. Sunita Bose, managing director of the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), lamented the lack of clarity surrounding how the law will be implemented and its implications for the broader community.
In response to these concerns, the government made revisions to the legislation to strengthen privacy protections. Platforms are now prohibited from requiring users to provide passports, driver’s licenses, or digital identification through a government mechanism. Nevertheless, opponents fear that restricting young children from social media could lead to privacy risks for all users who need to prove they are over 16.
While the main political parties have backed the ban, child welfare and mental health advocates have raised worries about potential unintended consequences. Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens party warned that the ban could isolate vulnerable young people, particularly those in regional communities or from the LGBTQI community who rely on social media for support.
Despite these concerns, the legislation has received widespread support from individuals who have experienced or witnessed the devastating effects of online harm. Sonya Ryan, a prominent online safety advocate whose daughter Carly was tragically murdered by an online predator, hailed the Senate decision as a pivotal moment in protecting children from digital threats. Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his son to an internet scam, also expressed pride in the legislation’s passage.
However, not everyone is convinced of the ban’s effectiveness. Critics argue that the law overlooks the positive impact of social media on youth mental health and connection and may actually harm more than it helps. Christopher Stone of Suicide Prevention Australia criticized the government for rushing into legislation without considering evidence-based policy.
Social media platforms like Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and Snapchat have expressed concerns about the law’s feasibility and urged for a delay in its implementation until 2025, pending a review of age assurance technology. Despite these objections, the platforms have vowed to work with the government and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with Australian laws and regulations.
Overall, the passage of the under-16 social media ban in Australia represents a significant step in the ongoing debate about online safety and children’s rights. While the law may face challenges in its implementation and potential unintended consequences, its supporters believe it is a crucial step in protecting children from online harm and promoting a safer digital environment for all users.
