Canberra, Australia — In a significant move, Australia’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill aiming to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. The legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support with a vote of 102 to 13, marks one of the most stringent social media regulations globally.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has championed the bill, citing concerns over the physical and mental health risks associated with excessive social media use among young people. The proposed law mandates that social media platforms implement age-verification measures, with potential fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $32 million USD) for systemic non-compliance.
The government plans to trial an age-verification system that may utilize biometrics or government identification to enforce the ban. However, a Senate committee reviewing the bill recommended that platforms should not require users to submit sensitive personal information, such as passports or digital IDs, to prove their age. The committee emphasized the importance of involving youth in shaping the legislation. Senator Karen Grogan stated, “Young people, and in particular diverse cohorts, must be at the center of the conversation as an age restriction is implemented to ensure there are constructive pathways for connection.”
Major tech companies have expressed concerns over the bill. Google and Meta have suggested delaying the legislation until after the completion of the age-verification trial expected in mid-2025. TikTok has called for more consultation, while X (formerly Twitter) warned that the law might infringe on children’s human rights.
The proposed ban has sparked intense debate across Australia. Youth advocates argue that it could silence young voices and disconnect teenagers from essential social and familial networks. Sixteen-year-old Sydney student Enie Lam shared her perspective: “I understand that using social media a lot is not a good thing and I’m working on it. But a ban is not going to work.”
On the other hand, parent groups support the legislation, expressing concerns about the ability of under-16s to navigate the digital world safely. Jenny Branch-Allen, president of the Australian Parents Council, noted, “Our members feel that this is one of the biggest issues impacting on themselves and their families at the moment. Big companies have to start taking responsibility. Let’s try and reduce the incidents we’re hearing involved with social media and young people in Australia.”
Public opinion appears to favor the government’s stance. A recent YouGov survey indicated that 77% of Australians support the ban, a significant increase from 61% in August. The bill is expected to be debated in the Senate, with the government aiming for its passage before the parliamentary year concludes.
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Australia nears social media ban for children after heated debate
cgtn.com
