The Australian government is considering a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16.
According to foreign media reports, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his determination to ban social media use for children under 16, stating that platforms like Facebook and TikTok are causing “real harm” to children.
Albanese said that tech companies would be held responsible for enforcing this age limit, and heavy fines would be imposed if regulators find that underage users are bypassing the restriction.
Speaking outside Parliament with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Albanese told reporters that this is for parents; social media is causing real harm to children, and he is taking steps to put an end to it.
The Prime Minister emphasized that social media platforms will be responsible for demonstrating that they have taken appropriate measures to block access, and the responsibility for enforcing the ban will not fall on parents or children. He questioned why a sensitive 14-year-old should be exposed to harmful content when such things appear on his system.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland added that social media companies have repeatedly failed to fulfill their responsibilities. She warned these companies that they must ensure their methods are made secure.
Rowland stated that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) would face financial penalties for violating regulations.
Australia is among the leading countries in efforts to reform social media, and its proposed age limit would be one of the strictest regulations in the world. These new laws will be introduced to Parliament at the end of November after being presented to state and regional leaders this week. If passed, tech platforms will be given a one-year grace period to develop methods for enforcing the ban.
Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, has said it will “respect any age restrictions introduced by the government.” Meta’s head of safety, Antigon Davis, stated that Australia should consider the implementation process for these restrictions, while TikTok said they have nothing further to comment at this stage.
Exceptions may be considered for platforms like YouTube, which young users might need for educational or other essential purposes.
In recent years, Australia has intensified its efforts to control tech companies, but success has been limited. Earlier this year, a bill to address “misinformation” was introduced, which includes broad powers to fine tech companies for online safety violations. Australia has also banned the sharing of “deepfake” pornography without consent, but efforts to control content on Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) have become mired in a prolonged legal battle.
