KUALA LUMPUR – Australia has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting children under the age of 16 from using social media, marking a global precedent in regulating Big Tech.
The legislation, passed after a week of heated parliamentary debate, mandates that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X implement robust measures to block underage users or face fines of up to AU$50 million (RM122 million).
The new law, which received overwhelming support in both houses of Parliament, grants platforms a year to comply before enforcement begins.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, according to reports, hailed the measure as a crucial step toward protecting children from online harms.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.”
Albanese emphasised the urgent need for such legislation, citing the harmful effects of social media on mental health.
“We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators,” he told Parliament, as quoted by CNN.
Defending the age limit of 16, he said children at that age are better able to spot “the fakes and the danger.”
The law, described by Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic as a “pivotal moment” for Australia, reflects growing public concern over the impact of social media on youth.
A recent YouGov poll showed that 77% of Australians support the ban, which has been championed by major domestic media under campaigns like “Let Them Be Kids.”
However, despite strong public backing, the legislation has drawn criticism from privacy advocates, mental health experts, and some opposition lawmakers, who argue that it was rushed through Parliament without adequate consultation.
Independent Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the bill as a “disaster unfolding before our eyes,” warning it could isolate vulnerable youth and push them toward unsafe online spaces.
Concerns have also been raised about the feasibility of implementation. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated it respected Australian law but criticised the process as “rushed”, reported Reuters.
Snapchat, meanwhile, pledged cooperation but expressed apprehension about the practical challenges of enforcing the ban.
“We will engage closely with the government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety, and practicality,” the company said.
Critics of the law also highlight potential privacy risks, as platforms will need to verify users’ ages without relying on government-issued IDs or similar documents, as stipulated by amendments aimed at bolstering privacy protections.
Opponents, including some child welfare advocates, argue the ban could have unintended consequences, such as driving children to less regulated platforms or the dark web.
“The government is attempting to convince parents it is protecting their children, but this could end up causing more harm than it prevents,” warned Digital Industry Group Inc as reported by AP.
The law has positioned Australia as a test case for countries grappling with how to regulate social media for younger audiences. While nations like France and some US states have enacted parental-consent-based restrictions, Australia’s outright ban sets a new standard.
Albanese noted that international leaders had applauded the initiative, while critics, including X owner Elon Musk, have labelled it a step toward broader internet censorship. Musk reportedly called the law a “backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians”. – November 29, 2024
