Sophia Yeskulsky | Head Editor
December 5, 2024
In a landmark move aimed at protecting young people from the potential dangers of social media, Australia has passed legislation banning anyone under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts. The law, announced on November 21, 2024, swiftly passed both houses of parliament, clearing the House of Representatives by a vote of 102 to 13 and the Senate by 34 to 19. The legislation is expected to be signed into law by early December and will take effect in December 2025, giving social media companies one year to comply with its requirements.
Under the new law, popular social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X will be required to prevent users under the age of 16 from accessing their services. Platforms must implement age-verification technologies or else they will face fines of up to $33 million. Gaming and messaging platforms, as well as websites like YouTube that can be accessed without an account, are exempt from the ban. The Australian eSafety Commissioner will oversee the law’s enforcement, and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland will determine the final list of restricted platforms.
To no surprise, the legislation has sparked a significant debate. Many parents and child safety advocates have praised the government’s action. Senior Hailey Cobb, a supporter of this movement explained how “children have been forced into social media at such young ages because of pure pressure and the fear of being left out socially. This law would eliminate this problem.”
Polls have shown that a majority of Australian parents support the ban and view it as a necessary step to protect children from the harmful effects of social media, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. However, technology companies and digital rights advocates have criticized the law as overly broad and potentially ineffective. Google has urged a delay citing the need for more details on enforcement and the effectiveness of age-verification technology.
TikTok argued that the government’s definition of social media platforms is “broad and unclear.” X owner Elon Musk called the bill a “backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.”
Senior Sarah Ellis explained that while the law aims to protect children, she “think[s] it could inadvertently push them toward less regulated platforms where they might face even greater risks.”
One of the most significant challenges facing the new law is the implementation of age-verification technology. Digital researchers have warned that no system is foolproof and that tech-savvy teenagers could easily bypass the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). Privacy advocates have also expressed concerns about the use of identity documents for age verification and if a user’s personal information will be protected.
As Australia takes this significant step to protect its youth from the dangers of social media, the global community is paying close attention. This landmark legislation raises important questions about the balance between online safety and individual rights. While the full impact remains to be seen, its effectiveness will likely shape future discussions of the regulation of social media.
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