Thu Nov 21 07:06:57 UTC 2024: ## Australia to Ban Under-16s from Social Media in Landmark Legislation
**CANBERRA, Australia** – Australia is poised to implement some of the world’s strictest social media regulations, with the introduction of a bill that would ban children under 16 from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. The legislation, backed by both the governing Labor Party and the opposition Liberals, would impose hefty fines of up to AU$50 million ($32.5 million USD) on platforms failing to comply within a year of the bill’s passage.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated the bill shifts responsibility for child online safety from parents to social media companies, citing alarming statistics: nearly two-thirds of 14-17 year-olds have encountered harmful online content, including depictions of drug abuse and self-harm. No exemptions for parental consent or existing accounts are included.
The government plans to trial an age-verification system, potentially using biometrics or government IDs, to enforce the ban. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledges some children will find ways around the restrictions, he hailed the bill as a “landmark reform.”
However, concerns have been raised about the bill’s feasibility and potential unintended consequences. UNICEF Australia expressed doubts it would be a complete solution, fearing it might drive young people to unregulated online spaces. Experts also question the technical challenges of enforcing a strict age ban.
This move follows similar, though less stringent, efforts in other countries. Spain is considering raising its social media age limit to 16, while France’s proposed ban allows for parental consent exceptions. Florida, in the U.S., will ban children under 14 from social media starting January 2024. Australia’s bold approach sets a precedent for stricter global regulation of children’s online activity.
First Piper 