Australia Approves Social Media Ban for Minors, Setting Global Benchmark
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia approved a social media ban for children aged under 16 on Thursday, a move that sets a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.
The law requires tech giants, including Instagram and Facebook owner Meta, to stop minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial of methods to enforce the ban will start in January, with the ban set to take effect in a year.
The Social Media Minimum Age bill marks a political win for Centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is facing an election in 2025. The ban has been met with opposition from privacy advocates and some child rights groups, but 77% of the population wants it, according to latest polls.
The law’s passage comes after a parliamentary inquiry, which heard evidence from parents of children who had self-harmed due to social media bullying. The campaign, “Let Them Be Kids,” led by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, has been a key factor in the push for a ban.
The ban could strain Australia’s relationship with the United States, where tech giants such as Elon Musk, the owner of X, have expressed concerns. The law also builds on an existing mood of antagonism between Australia and mostly US-domiciled tech giants, which has been brewing over issues such as media royalties and scams.
Companies such as Meta and TikTok have raised concerns about the ban, citing the need for more evidence and guidance on how to implement the law. The Australian government has committed to consulting with the tech industry and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
The ban has also sparked debate over concerns about privacy, data collection, and the impact on vulnerable teenagers, including LGBTQIA and migrant young people. Some have warned that the ban could drive them to less visible, more dangerous parts of the internet.
The decision comes as many countries, including France and some U.S. states, have passed laws to restrict access for minors without a parent’s permission. However, Australia’s absolute ban is seen as a significant step in the global effort to address the impact of social media on young people’s mental health.
