Australia’s House of Representatives has passed groundbreaking legislation that would prohibit children younger than 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The bill, which received bipartisan support, now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass, solidifying it as the first law of its kind globally.
If enacted, the legislation would impose fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) on platforms that fail to enforce the age restrictions. Social media companies would have one year to implement the measures before penalties take effect.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Platforms cannot compel users to verify their age using government-issued identification like passports or driver’s licenses.
- Digital identification through government systems will also be prohibited.
- The aim is to strengthen protections for young users while avoiding intrusive data collection methods.
Mixed Reactions
While lawmakers from major parties supported the bill, independent representatives voiced concerns about its implications, including:
- Privacy risks for users of all ages.
- Ineffectiveness in addressing inherent social media harms.
- Isolation risks for children cut off from positive social media interactions.
Critics also argued that the legislation undermines parental authority and might inadvertently push children to unsafe online spaces like the dark web.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel criticized the move as performative, claiming it would not address the root issues of online safety:
“The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it.”
Support for the Bill
Supporters, including Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, emphasized its potential to protect children from online harms, even if it isn’t a perfect solution.
Wayne Holdsworth, an online safety advocate whose 17-year-old son fell victim to a sextortion scam, called the bill a critical step:
“It’s not the only thing we need to do, but it’s a great step toward protecting our children.”
The Senate is set to debate the bill shortly, with major party backing ensuring its passage. Platforms have requested more time to develop effective enforcement measures, citing the need for a thorough evaluation of age verification technologies.
