Australia passes social media ban for children under 16

Australia has passed a law banning social media access for children under 16 following a passionate national debate, setting a global precedent with one of the strictest regulations aimed at Big Tech.

The law mandates that tech giants, including Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok, prevent minors from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial to test enforcement methods will begin in January, with the ban set to take effect in a year.

While several countries have pledged to limit children’s social media use through legislation, Australia’s approach is the most stringent.

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM-OWNER META SPOKESPERSON:

“Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament. However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.

“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.”