Australia Approves Social Media Ban for Children, Tech Companies Must Comply

Australia approves the bill to ban social media for children under 16 this Thursday night, one of the strictest regulations across the globe.

According to Reuters, Australians and tech companies reacted with mixed emotions after learning the news as the debate was still heated earlier this week and has been discussed for months.

On Tuesday, tech giants like Meta and Google urged the government to delay the bill until more data and analysis were made, but the Australian parliament, after considering many arguments, approved the measure led by Prime Minster Anthony Albanese.

“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” said Albanese today. “We’re making sure that mums and dads can have that different conversation today and in future days.”

Watch | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on November 29 that social media platforms now have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children, after the country’s parliament passed a bill banning those under the age of 16 from using the services pic.twitter.com/CRC1Gu5o9g

— Forbes India (@ForbesIndia) November 29, 2024

Albanese stands by his initiative and considers that this is the best alternative to protect children from the risks and damages they face when using social media. Tech companies insist that it was a rushed move but will comply.

“The task now turns to ensuring there is productive consultation on all rules associated with the Bill to ensure a technically feasible outcome that does not place an onerous burden on parents and teens and a commitment that rules will be consistently applied across all social apps used by teens,” said a spokesperson from Meta to CNN.

A spokesperson from TikTok said they remain concerned about the risks. “We’re disappointed the Australian government has ignored the advice of the many mental health, online safety, and youth advocacy experts who have strongly opposed the ban,” they said to Reuters.

Social media platforms that don’t comply with the new law will face fines of up to $32 million.

The new age verification system will begin its trial period in January and the ban will take effect in a year.