Australia has made headlines by passing a groundbreaking law that bans social media use for kids under 16, marking a first-of-its-kind move globally. This law, passed by the Senate late on Thursday, is designed to hold tech companies accountable for keeping young users off their platforms, with hefty fines of up to AU$50 million (around $32 million) for non-compliance. However, the actual start date for enforcement hasn’t been announced yet.
The ban is expected to target platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter), and the list could expand. The decision comes after months of heated public debate and a swift parliamentary process that saw the bill introduced, debated, and approved within just a week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the pressing need for such legislation, saying it addresses the negative impacts of social media on young people. "Social media can be a weapon for bullies, a driver of anxiety, a tool for scammers, and worst of all, a vehicle for online predators," he told Parliament. Setting the minimum age at 16, he added, allows teenagers to better identify "fakes and dangers" online.
The law received significant support, with Liberal Party Senator Maria Kovacic calling it a "pivotal moment" in Australia’s fight against unchecked big tech. “We’ve drawn a line in the sand,” she said.
Not everyone was on board, though. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young strongly criticized the move, arguing that it isolates young people and doesn’t actually make social media safer. "This is a disaster unfolding before our eyes," she said. "Instead of ensuring platforms take social responsibility, this law could push kids further into harm."
Despite the controversy, the government believes this bold step is necessary to tackle the risks of social media and set a global example. While the debate is far from over, one thing is clear: Australia is taking a firm stand on digital safety for its youngest citizens.
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