Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a landmark bill banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. Now the Senate has to vote to pass this law.
The bill will hold social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram accountable. Failure to prevent children under the age of 16 from creating accounts will result in these platforms being fined 50 million Australian dollars (about 33 million US dollars).
The bill was approved by a majority of 102-13. If the law goes into effect this week, platforms will be given a year to comply with the age limit, after which penalties will begin to apply.
“There will be amendments in the Senate to strengthen privacy protections,” opposition MP Dan Tehan said during a debate in Parliament. Platforms will also not be allowed to ask for government identification documents such as passports or driving licenses from users, nor will they ask for information through digital identities.
“Will this law be perfect? No. But no law is perfect. But if it makes even a small difference, it will make a significant difference in people’s lives,” Tehan said during a parliamentary debate.
The bill was debated in the Senate on Wednesday, but the House adjourned without a vote. The law is likely to be passed during the last parliamentary session of the year on Thursday or before the elections.
With major political parties backing the bill, it is almost guaranteed to pass the Senate, where no party has a majority.
However, MPs not affiliated with the government or the opposition have strongly criticized the law.
It has been alleged that the law was passed in confusion. It will also be poorly enforced, threaten the privacy of users of all ages, and take away the freedom of decision- making of parents of children, say critics.
In addition, critics claim that the ban will keep children away from social media, which has a positive impact, and make them afraid to report. This could lead to increased use of the dark web and disincentivize platforms to find safer alternatives.
Independent MP Zoe Daniels said, “This law will not reduce the risks associated with social media. The government is only introducing this law to show parents and voters that it has done something.”
Daniel added, “This law is called a ‘world first’ because no other country wants to take such a step.”
Social media platforms had requested that the vote be postponed till June next year. Because at that time the committee appointed by the government has to submit a report on age verification technology.
Melbourne resident and online safety campaigner Wayne Holdsworth’s 17- year- old son Mack killed himself last year after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. He termed the bill as essential for the safety of children.
“These laws are not the only solution; education is the key. But it is a good decision to provide urgent help,” said Holdsworth, 65.
He added, “This is an important time in the history of our country.”