On November 28, 2024, Australia enacted a groundbreaking law intended to prevent children under the age of 16 from establishing accounts on social media platforms. Dubbed a “world leading” initiative by the Australian government, the bill secured approval in the Senate following earlier passage through the lower house of Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the law's intent to safeguard the youth rather than to punish or isolate them. She highlighted the dangers posed by exposure to harmful content such as drug abuse, eating disorders, and violence.
Australia's New Law Aims to Shield Kids from Social Media
Australia's New Law Aims to Shield Kids from Social Media
New legislation passed in Australia prohibits children under 16 from creating social media accounts, seeking to protect youth from harmful online content.
The law, which has garnered significant public support and endorsements from various parental groups, faces criticism from unlikely coalitions involving technology companies, human rights activists, and social media experts. Opponents express concerns about the law's enforcement capabilities, privacy protections for users, and, ultimately, the effectiveness of the ban in actually protecting children.
Under the new legislation, social media platforms are mandated to implement “reasonable steps” to verify the ages of their users, ensuring that those under 16 are barred from opening accounts. As Australia adopts this pioneering stance, the global conversation about youth protection in the digital realm continues to evolve, with many monitoring the law's impact and ramifications closely.
Under the new legislation, social media platforms are mandated to implement “reasonable steps” to verify the ages of their users, ensuring that those under 16 are barred from opening accounts. As Australia adopts this pioneering stance, the global conversation about youth protection in the digital realm continues to evolve, with many monitoring the law's impact and ramifications closely.
