Social media ban pushed
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Australia has sparked intense debate with its plan to ban children under 16 from social media.
Proposed legislation has been introduced in parliament, touted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “world-leading”, aiming to shield young Australians from the harmful effects of platforms such as Snapchat, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
“We want young Australians to have a childhood. We want parents to have peace of mind,” Albanese said this week.
Social media companies could face penalties of up to AU$50 million for non-compliance, though gaming and messaging platforms are exempt.
While many parents welcome the move, critics question its enforceability, privacy risks, and potential unintended consequences.
The legislation will require all Australians to verify their age when accessing social media.
Trials exploring biometric tools and digital activity analysis are underway, though concerns about privacy and data security loom large.
Critics warn that the required identification database could be vulnerable to breaches.
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, says there will be some enforcement challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“Technology change is always going to outpace policy,” she said.
The commissioner has expressed doubts about the government’s insistence of a strong social media to youth mental health issues.
She has suggested a focus on better online safety practices and education, comparing the issue to teaching children to swim rather than fencing off the ocean.
Over 100 academics have criticised the legislation as “too blunt an instrument,” arguing it conflicts with UN guidelines promoting safe digital access for youth.
The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society has refrained from endorsing the age ban, recommending stricter tech company regulations instead.
Experts also fear the ban could drive children toward less regulated, riskier platforms.
The Digital Industry Group Inc, representing companies like Meta and TikTok, has called the legislation a “20th-century response to 21st-century challenges.”
Australia’s proposal joins international efforts to regulate youth access to digital platforms.
Similar laws in France and South Korea struggled with enforcement or public backlash.
Albanese has acknowledged the policy’s limitations, likening it to alcohol age restrictions - imperfect but necessary to set societal norms.
Despite bipartisan support, the initiative faces criticism for requiring broad age verification, impacting all users.
Greens senator David Shoebridge has described it as a “national age verification system masquerading as online safety.”
Australia’s plan, expected to take effect 12 months after passing, could set a global precedent or serve as a cautionary tale.
Critics, including X owner Elon Musk, have condemned it as overreach, while proponents argue it is a necessary step in tackling online harms to children.