NAIROBI, Kenya- Australia just became the first country to pass a groundbreaking law banning most children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The legislation cleared its final hurdle in Parliament, paving the way for hefty fines—up to AUD 50 million (USD 33 million)—for companies that fail to enforce age restrictions.
While the government hails it as a win for online safety, critics, including tech giants and child welfare advocates, argue the rushed process leaves major questions unanswered.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the legislation a necessary step to protect children from the harms of social media. “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority,” he said.
The law requires social media companies to verify users’ ages and remove underage accounts.
Platforms have a year to figure out compliance measures before penalties kick in. Importantly, the legislation prohibits companies from requiring government-issued IDs like passports or driver’s licenses, aiming to balance privacy concerns.
However, tech companies, including Meta and Snapchat, say the law is unworkable without clear guidance.
Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), which represents platforms like Facebook and Snapchat, criticized the fast-tracked process: “No one can confidently explain how it will work in practice.”
Supporters of the law include grieving parents and online safety advocates who see it as a long-overdue measure to curb online dangers.
Sonya Ryan, whose daughter was tragically murdered by an online predator, called the legislation a “monumental moment.” Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his son to an online sextortion scam, described its passage as a source of national pride.
Opponents, however, worry the law could harm the very children it seeks to protect. Critics argue it could isolate vulnerable teens who rely on social media for connection, particularly in rural areas or within the LGBTQ+ community.
Some experts also fear the ban could push kids toward unregulated corners of the internet, like the dark web, while deterring younger users from reporting online abuse.
Australia’s law is being closely watched worldwide, as governments grapple with how to regulate social media in an era of increasing online harm.
The social media ban for under-16s is a bold attempt to tackle the growing concerns of online safety, but it’s also a risky bet. While some celebrate it as a step toward accountability for tech giants, others fear it could isolate vulnerable youth and set an unworkable standard.
