Australia has introduced a bold new law barring children under 16 from using social media platforms, with companies facing fines of up to $50 million AUD ($32.5 million USD) if they fail to enforce the restrictions.
The Social Media Minimum Age Bill, passed by parliament, defines age-restricted platforms as services designed to facilitate online interaction and content sharing. While no platforms are explicitly named, it’s clear the law targets major services like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for the legislation, describing it as a step toward protecting young people. “Social media is harming our children. With this law, parents can now have a stronger stance in their conversations with kids. Our message is simple: we’re on your side,” he said.
Major tech companies, including Meta and Snap, have criticized the law, calling it rushed and raising concerns about its feasibility. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated that it already implements measures for age-appropriate experiences and hopes for further consultation to ensure fair rules that won’t overburden parents and teens. Snap echoed these concerns, highlighting the practical challenges of implementing the law.
While the government argues the law is necessary, some critics believe it falls short. Senator Matt Canavan pointed out privacy concerns and warned that the law might divert attention from tackling the deeper issues of social media harms.
This law aligns with a global trend of stricter regulations to ensure children’s online safety. Earlier this year, Florida banned children under 14 from social media, requiring parental consent for teens aged 14 to 15.
Set to take full effect in 12 months, the Australian law could reshape the way young people interact with online platforms—raising questions about its enforcement and long-term impact.
