Australia plans to introduce a groundbreaking ban on social media for children under 16, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday. The proposed law, aimed at safeguarding young people from the negative effects of social media, could be enacted by the end of next year.
Strict Age Verification System to Block Under-16s
The proposed legislation will introduce an age-verification system to restrict access to social media platforms. Australia is testing methods such as biometrics and government-issued ID checks to ensure compliance. This age cutoff will be the highest set by any country, making Australia’s approach one of the strictest globally.
“Social media is harming our kids, and it’s time to take action,” said Prime Minister Albanese. He highlighted the physical and mental health risks linked to social media, especially for young people, including negative body image pressures for girls and exposure to harmful, misogynistic content for boys.
Strong Restrictions Without Parental Consent Options
Unlike similar policies proposed in other countries, Australia’s measures will allow no exemptions for children with parental consent or those who already hold social media accounts. “The responsibility will lie with social media companies to ensure compliance,” Albanese emphasized, stating that the burden would not fall on parents or young users.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland also described the policy as “world-leading,” noting that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) would be affected. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, would also likely fall under these new regulations.
Growing Global Debate on Youth Social Media Use
Australia’s initiative reflects a growing international movement to address social media’s impact on children and teenagers. France recently proposed a similar ban for those under 15, although it allowed parental consent as a workaround. In the United States, tech companies are already required to seek parental consent to access data from users under 13, which has led many platforms to ban users below this age.
Industry Response and Concerns
The Digital Industry Group (DIGI), representing major tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and Google, raised concerns that the ban could push young users toward less regulated parts of the internet, limiting their access to valuable support networks. “Keeping young people safe online is a top priority, but banning them from digital platforms is a 20th-century solution to 21st-century challenges,” said DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose. She advocated for a balanced approach focused on age-appropriate spaces and digital literacy.
Next Steps: When Could the Ban Take Effect?
Prime Minister Albanese plans to introduce the legislation to the Australian parliament this year. If passed, the law would take effect 12 months after being approved, giving social media companies time to comply with the new requirements.
With support from Australia’s opposition Liberal Party, this legislation is expected to move forward, potentially reshaping the digital landscape for young users in Australia.
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