Australia has taken a significant step toward implementing a ban on social media use for children under 16, with the House of Representatives passing the legislation on Wednesday. The bill, which passed with a 102 to 13 vote, now awaits final approval from the Senate.
If enacted, the law would give social media platforms one year to establish measures to enforce the age restrictions before penalties are imposed. The bill holds platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram accountable, potentially facing fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€30.4 million) for failing to prevent young children from creating accounts.
Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan informed Parliament that the government had agreed to amendments in the Senate to enhance privacy protections. These amendments would prevent platforms from requiring users to submit government-issued identification, such as passports or driver’s licenses, and prohibit the demand for digital identification through government systems.
However, many lawmakers, particularly those unaffiliated with the government or opposition, expressed strong concerns during the debate. Critics argue that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without sufficient scrutiny and could lead to privacy risks for users of all ages. They also claim the ban could undermine parental authority, isolate children, and hinder their access to the positive aspects of social media. Further criticisms include fears that it may drive children toward the dark web, discourage younger users from reporting online harms, and diminish the incentive for platforms to create safer online environments.
