Australia has approved a ban on social media use for children under 16, marking the world's strictest laws in this area. The ban, which will be enforced by the nation's internet regulator, will take effect in at least 12 months. Tech companies could face fines up to A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) for non-compliance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to protect young people from social media harms, a sentiment echoed by many parent groups. However, critics have raised concerns about the ban's implementation, privacy implications, and potential impact on social connections.

Key Points

• Legislation Details:

  • The ban passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 and was approved by the House of Representatives.
  • The specific platforms to be banned will be decided by the communications minister, advised by the eSafety Commissioner.
  • Likely banned platforms include Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Gaming and messaging platforms are exempt, and YouTube is likely to be spared.

• Implementation and Technology:

  • The government plans to use age-verification technology, which will be tested in the coming months.
  • Social media platforms will be responsible for implementing these processes.
  • Digital researchers have warned about the reliability of the unspecified technology and potential privacy issues.
  • Critics also note that restrictions could be circumvented using tools like VPNs.

• Public and Expert Opinions:

  • Limited polling suggests majority support from Australian parents and caregivers.
  • Some experts argue the ban is too blunt and might push children to less regulated parts of the internet.
  • Companies like Google, Snap, Meta, and TikTok have criticized the legislation for lack of detail and potential ineffectiveness.
  • Youth advocates feel excluded from the debate and emphasize the need for their involvement in developing solutions.

• Global Context:

  • Similar legislation in France and the US state of Utah faced challenges, with Utah's law being overturned as unconstitutional.
  • Other countries, including Norway and the UK, are considering similar bans.

Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the complexity of the debate but defended the bill, comparing it to alcohol bans for minors, which are not perfect but necessary. The global community is watching Australia's approach with interest.