Australia to Introduce World-First Legislation Banning Under-16s From Social Media Platforms

Social media companies in Australia could face fines of up to $50 million under a bold plan by the Federal Government to protect children from online harm. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is set to introduce landmark legislation on Thursday, aiming to establish a minimum age requirement of 16 years for platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and potentially YouTube.

The proposed laws will place the responsibility squarely on social media companies to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms, rather than leaving it to parents to monitor their children’s activities.

Under the legislation, platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s from creating accounts could face hefty penalties, including fines of up to $50 million. The government has warned that tech companies that “systematically” flout the rules will bear the brunt of these punitive measures.

While the exact method for verifying users’ ages has not yet been finalized, Minister Rowland assured her colleagues that users would not need to upload proof of identification directly to social media platforms. The legislation will also mandate strict privacy protections, requiring companies to destroy any personal data they collect as part of compliance efforts.

However, the legislation allows for certain exemptions. Platforms primarily designed for messaging, online gaming, health, or education purposes, such as WhatsApp, will likely be carved out. The inclusion of hybrid platforms like Snapchat, which functions as both a messaging service and a social media platform, remains uncertain.

These exemptions aim to balance child protection with preserving access to essential communication tools and educational resources.

If passed, the minimum age restriction will come into effect 12 months after the legislation is enacted, giving social media companies time to implement compliance measures.

Minister Rowland emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring young people are shielded from the potential harms of social media.

“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians,” he said. “Ultimately, this is about supporting a safer and healthier online environment for young Australians.”

The Coalition, led by Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman, expressed support for the legislation but criticized the government for not acting sooner.

“We’ll work very constructively with the Government and we want to see this bill passed before Parliament rises for the end of the year,” Coleman said in an interview with ABC TV.

Despite some calls for further inquiry and scrutiny, the Coalition’s backing increases the likelihood that the bill will pass swiftly during the current parliamentary sitting fortnight.

Although the legislation represents a significant step in child safety, questions remain about its implementation. How platforms will verify users’ ages without compromising privacy is still unclear.

Experts have raised concerns about potential loopholes in enforcement, as children often find ways to circumvent age restrictions. Some have also highlighted the need for more comprehensive consultation to ensure that the measures are both effective and proportionate.

If successful, Australia’s move could set a precedent for other nations grappling with the challenges of regulating social media and protecting young users from online harm. The legislation underscores growing global expectations for greater corporate responsibility in digital spaces, especially by putting the onus on tech giants to police underage usage.

Major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet, have either declined to comment or not responded to inquiries about the proposed law. However, industry representatives have expressed reservations about the practical challenges of implementing such strict age verification protocols?.