Australian lawmakers have voted prohibit people under 16 from using social media—even if their parents agree.
On Friday morning, the Australian House of Representatives granted bill with bipartisan support, ending the legislative process that began just a week ago. The social media giants were quick to criticize the new bill and expressed concern over the “hurried” process of its adoption and the lack of implementation details.
A spokesman for Meta said the US company respected Australia’s decision but said it was “concerned about the process that rushed through the legislation”.
“Last week the parliamentary committee said ‘causal connection’ with social media remains unclear’ regarding the mental health of young Australians,” the spokesperson added. “This shows a lack of evidence to support the legislation and suggests that this was a predetermined process.”
Meta also owns Facebook and Instagram.
TikTok too he said it was “important that the (Australian) government works closely with industry to resolve the issues created by this accelerated process.”
A Snap spokesperson said there were “many unanswered questions about how the law will be implemented in practice” and said it would work closely with authorities over the next 12 months to develop an approach that balances security, privacy and practicality.
Effects on children
Some studies show that prolonged exposure to social networks increases the risk of negative effects such as anxiety or depression. Still, experts are divided over whether a blanket ban like Australia’s is the right solution, worrying that the polarized debate risks creating a one-size-fits-all solution. Other experts are concerned that social media platforms it can be the only available option for isolated young people.
Social media companies expressed concern in the days leading up to the bill. X owner Elon Musk also chimed in, suggesting last week that the bill “appears to be a hidden way of controlling internet access for all Australians.” (Musk has been a frequent nuisance to the Australian government, refusing to comply with Australian government orders to remove content worldwide.)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who faces an election early next year, says the law is needed to protect young people. He also painted social media as a tool for scammers and online predators, as well as a driver of anxiety.
The bill has received support from both major political parties in Australia, as well as parent groups. However, it is still not clear how the law will work. The laws require tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from accessing social media or face fines of up to A$50 million ($32 million) if they fail to comply.
The ban is expected to control access to platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X and Reddit. Exemptions are likely to be given to messaging and education services such as YouTube, Google Classroom and WhatsApp. The ban will take effect from the end of 2025, but does not provide details on how tech companies are expected to verify the age of users.
Critics raise privacy concerns
Critics say the ban also raises privacy concerns and could create more risks for children.
The Australian Children’s Rights Working Group noted that platforms will now be discouraged from offering child safety features, meaning younger users who somehow gain access to social media will not be protected.
Digital Industry Group Inc., a non-profit association in Australia, warned that the ban could push young people into darker places online that lack the safety fences of mainstream platforms.
Australia’s ban on social media is one of the strictest bans on big tech, but it’s not without precedent.
Last year, France passed legislation that requires children under 15 to get parental permission before getting a social media platform, but local media reports that technical challenges have led to a lack of enforcement. Norway also hopes to enforce a strict minimum age of 15 for social media access.
US states have also targeted social media. New York and California passed legislation aimed at protecting minor users from recommendation algorithms. Utah and Arkansas tried to pass age restrictions, though they did challenged in court.
However, Australia’s ban is stricter as it prevents children from accessing social media, even if they get their parents’ permission.
