Australia will ban children under 16 from opening accounts on social media platforms after Federal Parliament signed off on the world’s strictest laws aimed at protecting minors from online bullying and other ‘harm.’
It will not take effect for at least 12 months and could see tech companies that run the platforms fined up to $50 million if they don’t comply.
Critics say it’s unclear how the ban will be enforced and what will be the impact on privacy and social connection.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it will lead to less harm and better outcomes for children.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” the PM stated.
Social media sites will have to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating accounts.
Children won’t be stopped from accessing sites that don’t need accounts and many others containing potentially “harmful” content.
The laws will capture platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and X.
Exemptions will apply for health and education services including YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom.
Mr. Albanese said: “We don’t argue that its implementation will be perfect. Just like the alcohol ban for under 18s, it doesn’t mean that someone under 18 never has access, but we know that it’s the right thing to do.”
He was supported by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton who said the ban would be a relief to parents.
“It’s something that most parents around the country would give a head nod to, because these big tech companies only see our kids as a profit-making venture,” he told Channel Nine.
Australian Christian Lobby CEO Michelle Pearse welcomed the ban, saying: “This is a significant step forward in safeguarding children online.”
“This move addresses well-documented concerns about the vulnerability of children on these platforms, including exposure to predators, pornographic and other harmful content, and the heightened risk of mental health issues linked to social media use,” she added.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland who drove the legislation insisted social media users won’t be forced to hand over government-issued IDs, including passports. to verify their age.
But it’s unclear how age would be confirmed without identity verification.
The parent company of Instagram and Facebook, Meta, expressed concern over the “lack of evidence” underpinning the legislation.
“Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament. However, we are concerned about the failure to properly consider the evidence about what the industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and to hear the voices of young people,” it said.
Human rights groups and mental health services are opposed to a total ban amid fears vulnerable children could be isolated from accessing support.
eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant has said while children need to be protected online, marginalised kids still need a way to connect with others.
Digital researchers have warned there are no guarantees the unspecified technology — which could rely on biometrics or identity information — will work.
They say restrictions could easily be circumvented through tools like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which can disguise a user’s location and make them appear to be logging on from another country.
Children who find ways to flout the rules will not face penalties.
Polling suggests most Australians parents and caregivers support the ban.
