Australia’s communications minister introduced a globally unique law to parliament Thursday that would prevent children under 16 from using social media. Introducing the proposal, Minister Michelle Rowland said online safety is one of the biggest challenges facing parents.
Penalties on Social Media Platforms
The new law will see social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram face hefty fines. If they do not take measures to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts, they can be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars (33 million US dollars).
Rowland said, “We are trying to create a new societal norm in Australia where social media use cannot be a childhood necessity. Immediate measures are needed to prevent minors from viewing inappropriate and endless content.”
Elon Musk and Technical Difficulties
X’s owner Elon Musk has criticized Australia’s proposal. In a post on his platform, he said, “Australia is using the back door to control internet usage.”
The bill, which has broad political support, will give social media platforms a year to implement age limits after the law is passed.
Effects of Social Media on Children
Rowland emphasized that “too many young Australian children are being affected by social media. Almost two-thirds of 14- to 17-year-olds have seen harmful content online, including addiction, suicide, self-harm, and violence. A quarter have seen content that promotes unhealthy eating habits.”
According to government research, online safety is the most difficult parenting responsibility for 95% of Australian parents. Social media companies have a social responsibility and need to do more to prevent harmful content from their platforms, Rowland said.
Support for Parents and Efforts for Youth Welfare
“This bill is about protecting children, not punishing or isolating them,” Rowland said, showing the government’s support for parents.
Impact on Children’s Social Life
Child welfare and internet experts have expressed concern about the potential side effects of isolating 14- and 15-year-olds from their existing online social networks. Rowland explained that no age limit will be imposed on messaging apps, online games, or platforms that support education. He said, “Although there are risks involved, users are not exposed to endless and psychologically generated content here.”
A New Technology Scheme for Age Verification
A group led by the Age Check Certification Scheme in the UK is studying different technologies to check the age of children. Technologies such as age estimation and sensing are being considered.
Platforms will be prohibited from using or storing information used for age verification for other purposes, Rowland noted.
Opposition to the Digital Realm
Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) criticized the proposed law, saying, “Social media bans could push kids into more unsafe online spaces. Instead of encouraging companies to continually work on their security measures, the law only focuses on keeping teenagers off the platform.”
While the proposal is a significant step forward for child safety in Australia, its far-reaching implications and implementation are still debated.