from Your News:
Australia has passed a landmark law banning children under 16 from accessing social media, making it the first country to impose such sweeping restrictions on Big Tech platforms.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Australia has enacted a groundbreaking social media ban targeting users under the age of 16, positioning itself as a global test case for addressing the mental health impact of online platforms. The Social Media Minimum Age bill, passed Thursday, prohibits minors from accessing platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, with tech companies facing fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance. The law mandates an age verification trial starting in January, with full enforcement set for 2025.
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A Global Benchmark for Big Tech Regulation
The law sets Australia apart from other jurisdictions that have introduced age-based restrictions on social media. While countries like France and U.S. states such as Florida have imposed limits requiring parental permission, Australia’s ban is absolute. Florida’s full under-14 ban is currently being challenged in court on free speech grounds, underscoring the contentious nature of such measures globally.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government championed the bill, achieving a political victory despite opposition from privacy advocates and some child rights groups. A recent poll revealed that 77% of Australians supported the ban, bolstered by domestic media campaigns like Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp-led “Let Them Be Kids.”
Divided Opinions and Human Rights Concerns
The law has sparked intense debate. Parent groups, referencing U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s warnings about social media’s detrimental effects on youth mental health, view the measure as a necessary intervention. Anti-bullying advocate Ali Halkic, whose son Allem died by suicide after social media bullying in 2009, praised the bill as a “starting point” for future generations.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about unintended consequences. Privacy advocates warn of increased personal data collection, potentially paving the way for state surveillance. Youth advocacy groups argue that the ban could alienate vulnerable populations, including LGBTQIA and migrant teens, by cutting them off from vital support networks. The Australian Human Rights Commission has cautioned that the law may infringe on young people’s rights to participate in society.
In response to privacy concerns, lawmakers added a last-minute provision requiring platforms to offer alternatives to uploading identification documents for age verification.
