Australia has become the first nation in the world to implement a law that bans social media use for children under the age of 16. The legislation, passed by the Australian Senate on Thursday, will require social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram to pay hefty fines if they fail to prevent minors from accessing their services. A fine of 33 million US dollars will be imposed on platforms that allow children younger than 16 to hold accounts.
The bill was approved with a strong majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 34 to 19, while the House of Representatives endorsed it overwhelmingly, with 102 votes in favor and just 13 against. Although the House of Representatives still needs to approve amendments made in the Senate, this is expected to be a formality, as the government has already agreed to these changes.
While the new law has received significant support, it has also faced criticism. Privacy advocates, some child rights groups, and a number of digital companies have expressed concerns about the potential impact on young people’s freedom online. However, recent polls show that 77% of the Australian population is in favor of the ban, with many believing it will protect children from the harmful effects of excessive social media use.
In contrast, Australia’s domestic media, led by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, strongly supported the ban. Murdoch’s company launched a campaign called “Let Them Be Kids” in favor of the legislation, which resonated with a majority of the public.
One notable exemption to the ban is YouTube, as it is widely used in schools for educational purposes and is not affected by the new law. However, some critics argue that the bill is premature and lacks clear guidance on how companies should verify users’ ages and enforce the ban. Sunita Bose, managing director of the Digital Industry Group, emphasized the need for clarity from the Australian government on these methods.
The law has also sparked debate about its potential impact on Australia’s relationship with key allies, particularly the United States. Elon Musk, owner of X, criticized the legislation as a “backdoor way to control access to the internet,” which could lead to tensions between the two countries.
Despite the opposition and concerns, the law has set a global precedent in the ongoing debate over the regulation of social media and its effects on children’s mental health and safety online.
Sources By Agencies
