Wed Nov 27 22:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Australia Passes Landmark Bill to Ban Children Under 16 from Social Media
**Melbourne, Australia –** Australia’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a world-first bill Wednesday, November 27, 2024, banning children under 16 from social media platforms. The bill, supported by major parties, now moves to the Senate for final approval. The legislation would impose significant fines – up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) – on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for failing to prevent underage users from creating accounts.
While the bill passed with 102 votes in favor and 13 against, it faced considerable criticism. Opponents argued the rushed legislation lacks sufficient scrutiny, is unlikely to be effective, raises privacy concerns, undermines parental authority, and could drive children towards less regulated online spaces. Concerns were also raised that the ban would isolate children, prevent them from accessing beneficial aspects of social media, and disincentivize platforms from proactively improving online safety.
Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel criticized the bill as a symbolic gesture aimed at appeasing voters rather than addressing the root causes of online harm. She pointed out that no other country has attempted such a ban, highlighting the challenges involved.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains the bill will make a difference, even in small ways, to the lives of children. Amendments ensuring stronger privacy protections were incorporated, preventing platforms from demanding government-issued ID. Platforms will have a year to implement the age restrictions before penalties take effect. The Senate is expected to pass the bill, given the bipartisan support in the House.
First Piper 