Australia has introduced a bold new law banning social media use for children under 16, setting a global precedent in regulating Big Tech. Approved on Thursday, the legislation requires platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to block underage users or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million USD). The government will begin testing enforcement methods in January 2024, with the full ban scheduled to take effect in a year.
Amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, Australia’s law is among the strictest globally. While other nations, including France and several U.S. states, have required parental consent for minors, Australia has opted for an absolute ban. By contrast, a similar law in Florida faces legal challenges on free speech grounds.
National Reactions and Controversy
The Social Media Minimum Age Bill has sparked intense national debate, with public opinion strongly in favor of the measure. Polls show 77% of Australians support the ban. Media outlets, led by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, bolstered the campaign with a slogan, “Let Them Be Kids.” Parents of children affected by online bullying also played a key role in advocating for the law.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, facing declining approval ratings ahead of the 2025 election, championed the legislation as a cornerstone of his government’s agenda. Supporters see the ban as a decisive step to protect children from harmful online experiences. Anti-bullying advocate Ali Halkic, whose son tragically died by suicide after social media bullying, welcomed the move as empowering parents to regain control.
Despite widespread support, the legislation has faced significant criticism. Privacy advocates warn it could lead to increased data collection for age verification, potentially enabling government surveillance. In response, lawmakers added a last-minute amendment requiring platforms to offer alternatives to uploading ID documents. Youth advocacy groups and academics have raised concerns that the ban could isolate vulnerable teens, such as LGBTQIA and migrant youth, who often rely on social media for support networks.
Youth voices highlight potential drawbacks. Sydney student Enie Lam, 16, argued the ban might drive teens toward unsafe, hidden corners of the internet or encourage them to find ways around restrictions. She expressed skepticism that the law would achieve its intended outcomes, despite acknowledging social media’s harmful effects.
Challenges in Implementation and Industry Pushback
Tech companies and industry representatives have raised concerns about how the law will be enforced. Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, criticized the legislation as rushed, claiming it ignored current safeguards and excluded young users’ perspectives. TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) declined to comment, while YouTube received an exemption because of its educational use in schools.
The Digital Industry Group, representing major social media platforms, has also expressed frustration. Managing director Sunita Bose criticized the government for providing little guidance on how companies should verify users’ ages. Bose argued that the lack of clarity risks placing unnecessary burdens on platforms without ensuring effective outcomes.
Global Implications and Future Outlook
The new law could strain Australia’s relationship with the United States, where many major tech companies are based. Elon Musk, owner of X, called the measure a potential step toward broader internet censorship. Australia has previously clashed with Big Tech by introducing laws requiring platforms to pay news outlets royalties and address online scams.
Supporters view the ban as a vital measure to safeguard children from social media’s harmful effects, while critics warn of unintended consequences, including greater technological literacy among teens seeking to bypass restrictions. As the law is rolled out, its effectiveness will be closely watched worldwide, potentially influencing similar debates in other countries.
