Australia is set to introduce a world-first law banning children under 16 from using social media, after the Senate passed the legislation on Thursday. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (£26 million) if they fail to prevent minors from creating accounts.
The Bill was approved in the Senate by 34 votes to 19, following overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, which passed it 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday. Although the House must still approve Senate amendments, this is expected to be a formality, as the government has already signalled its agreement. Social media platforms will have one year to comply before penalties take effect.
The amendments bolster privacy protections, prohibiting platforms from requiring government-issued identification, such as passports or driver’s licences, or digital verification through government systems. The House is expected to approve these changes on Friday.
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While the law aims to address concerns over social media’s impact on children, it has faced significant criticism. Some argue it could harm user privacy by requiring proof of age, while others warn of unintended consequences for young people who rely on social media for connection and support.
“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off,” said Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens party, referencing mental health experts’ concerns.
Opposition Senator Maria Kovacic defended the legislation, describing it as a necessary step. “The core focus of this legislation is simple: It demands that social media companies take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users from their platforms,” she said. “This is a responsibility these companies should have been fulfilling long ago, but for too long they have shirked these responsibilities in favour of profit.”
Critics argue that the government may be using the policy to gain favour with parents ahead of the general election, expected by May. While proponents believe the legislation addresses concerns over children’s addiction to social media, opponents warn it could cause more harm than good.
Some fear the policy will isolate children, driving them to unsafe parts of the internet or discouraging younger users from reporting harm. Others contend it undermines parents’ authority, reduces platforms’ motivation to improve online safety, and was rushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny.
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