Thu Dec 26 03:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Australia Passes Law to Restrict Children’s Access to Social Media

**CANBERRA, Australia (December 26, 2024)** – Australia has become a pioneer in online child safety, with the House of Representatives passing the “Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024.” This landmark legislation mandates that social media platforms take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. The bill, which awaits Senate approval and Royal Assent, amends the Age Discrimination Act to facilitate this reform.

Currently, no minimum age for social media use exists in Australia, although platforms generally restrict access to users under 13. The new law targets “age-restricted social media platforms” (ARSMPs), encompassing services like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, requiring them to implement age verification measures. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines of up to $49.5 million.

The legislation doesn’t define “reasonable steps,” leaving the eSafety Commissioner to establish guidelines. While the government intends to consult stakeholders and conduct trials to determine appropriate age verification technologies, all users on affected platforms will eventually need to verify their age. Importantly, the law doesn’t restrict access to content for under-16s, nor does it penalize parents for allowing their children access.

Concerns about privacy risks associated with age verification technologies are addressed in the bill, outlining obligations for handling personal data. The government further plans to introduce a “Digital Duty of Care” to enhance online safety.

The bill’s passage comes amidst growing concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health. While acknowledging the benefits of social media, the legislation aims to mitigate risks associated with its use by young people. However, the bill has faced criticism from groups like the Australian Greens who called it rushed and reckless.

The legislation marks a significant departure from previous attempts in other countries, notably the United States, where similar efforts to regulate children’s online access have faced legal challenges and been deemed unconstitutional. India, meanwhile, has laws addressing online child exploitation but not age restrictions on social media accounts. Australia’s approach presents a novel framework for navigating the complex issue of children’s safety in the digital age.

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