Australian lawmakers have taken a significant step toward banning social media access for those under 16, passing landmark legislation in the lower house of Parliament on Wednesday. The bill, which is now set to be debated in the Senate, mandates that major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat implement “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from creating accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face hefty fines of up to AU$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has vocally supported the ban as part of his broader platform ahead of a potential early election, rallied behind the legislation, framing social media as a source of peer pressure, anxiety, scams, and a breeding ground for online predators. He encouraged Australian youth to spend more time outdoors, participating in sports and recreational activities rather than being glued to their screens.
This proposed ban is one of the strictest in the world. However, the details regarding its enforcement remain vague, and it could take up to 12 months for regulators to finalize how it will be carried out. Critics have raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such a ban, as age restrictions on social media platforms are often easily bypassed. Furthermore, late amendments to the bill prevent companies from requiring government-issued identification to verify age, which could complicate enforcement.
While some social media firms, including Facebook and TikTok, have described the legislation as “vague” and “problematic,” others, like LinkedIn, are seeking exemptions, arguing that their platforms are not appealing to younger users. WhatsApp and YouTube may also be granted exemptions for purposes such as education or family communication.
Experts have questioned whether the ban will be effective in the long run. Digital communications professor Terry Flew warned that the limited consultation behind the bill could lead to ineffective, “symbolic” policy-making rather than substantive change. Social media expert Susan Grantham cautioned that the ban could push young people into creating their own unregulated platforms, creating new risks.
Instead, Grantham advocates for better digital literacy education, akin to Finland’s model, where children are taught to think critically about online content from a young age. The international community is closely watching Australia’s efforts, as other nations, including Spain and the United States, have also proposed similar restrictions, though none have yet been enacted.
In contrast, China has implemented strict limitations on minors’ online activities since 2021, including limits on TikTok usage and online gaming time for children, offering a potential model for future regulation.
