Australia to ban social media for kids under 16
Australia's leaders believe social media can harm kids.
Australia’s Senate has passed a law banning kids under 16 from most social media platforms, aiming to protect children. Major companies and critics oppose it.
Australia is setting a strict rule: kids under 16 won’t be allowed on most social media platforms. The new law, passed by the Senate, is expected to get the final nod from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who strongly supports it.
The law targets platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). These companies could face massive fines—up to AUD 50 million ($33 million)—if they fail to block kids under 16 from creating accounts.
The government says this move will protect children from online dangers. However, the law has sparked heated debates among tech companies, charities, and human rights groups.
Australia's leaders believe social media can harm kids. They worry about cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content. Prime Minister Albanese defended the law, saying it has "common-sense exemptions."
Kids will still be able to use educational platforms like Google Classroom and health sites like Headspace. Messaging apps and online games are also allowed.
The Prime Minister also promised strict privacy protections. Personal information collected for age verification must be deleted once verified.
Big tech companies, including Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, are not happy. They say the law could force them to collect more personal data, like ID or biometrics, from all users.
Meta called the process "inefficient and burdensome" and highlighted safety features already in place, such as controls on Instagram that limit who can contact teens.
Elon Musk, owner of X, also criticized the law. He said it might lead to controlling internet access for all Australians.
Charities and human rights groups have also raised concerns. Save the Children’s CEO, Mat Tinkler, said banning kids isn’t the answer. He believes social media companies should make their platforms safer instead.
“We need to hold these companies accountable. Let’s embed safety features into platforms instead of keeping kids off them,” Tinkler said.
The Australian Human Rights Commission also disagreed with the law. They said less extreme options could protect kids without affecting their rights. They suggested placing a legal duty of care on social media companies and teaching kids digital safety in schools.
Despite the backlash, many Australians support the ban. A recent YouGov survey found that 77% back the idea of banning under-16s from social media. Even more—87%—support harsher penalties for companies that don’t follow the rules.
If the Prime Minister signs the bill, it will become law. Social media platforms will need to find ways to block underage users quickly. But the debate around this law is far from over. Many are watching to see how Australia handles the challenges of enforcing it.