Australia has unveiled a bold new policy to curb social media access for children under 16, introducing some of the toughest controls globally.
A new bill proposed in parliament seeks to enforce an age-verification system, backed by fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for platforms that fail to comply.
This legislation targets major players like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, Bytedance’s TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X.
The proposed measures are part of a broader initiative to address concerns over the mental and physical health risks posed by social media to young users.
Age-verification system
Australia’s policy includes an age-verification system that may use biometrics or government-issued identification, a first of its kind globally.
The initiative stands out for its stringent measures, as it makes no exceptions for parental consent or existing accounts.
If implemented, this system will place the onus on social media companies to verify user ages and block underage access.
Platforms will be required to safeguard privacy by destroying any information collected for verification purposes.
The government believes this ensures compliance while addressing concerns about data security.
Strong bipartisan support, but opposition raises concerns
The bill has garnered support from the opposition Liberal party, while independent lawmakers and the Greens have requested more details before backing the proposal.
Although the Albanese-led Labor government is optimistic about passing the legislation, critics argue that the specifics of enforcement and the protection of user privacy need further clarity.
The law’s robust privacy provisions could make it a model for future global efforts, but its stringency may face challenges from tech companies and advocacy groups.
For now, the bipartisan support strengthens the likelihood of the bill’s passage.
No exemptions
Unlike similar policies in other countries, Australia’s proposed rules would not allow children to circumvent the ban with parental consent.
France, for example, introduced a similar policy last year for users under 15 but included a parental consent clause.
In contrast, Australia aims to establish an unequivocal age limit, setting a new standard in the global push to regulate social media use among minors.
The United States requires parental consent for data access of children under 13, but its approach lacks the enforcement power proposed in Australia’s law, which directly targets platforms for accountability.
How is Australia addressing mental health risks?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland have framed the reform as a critical step to protect children’s well-being.
Reports suggest that almost two-thirds of Australian teens aged 14 to 17 have encountered harmful content online, including depictions of drug abuse, self-harm, and suicide.
The government believes excessive social media use exacerbates mental health issues, with girls particularly affected by body image concerns and boys exposed to misogynistic content.
Rowland emphasised the social responsibility of platforms, stating that this legislation is about holding companies accountable for ensuring user safety.
Exemptions
Despite the proposed restrictions, children will still have access to vital online services, including youth mental health platforms like Headspace, educational tools such as Google Classroom, and communication platforms used for online gaming and messaging.
The government aims to strike a balance between reducing harmful social media exposure and ensuring access to essential digital resources.
Australia’s proposed social media policy could serve as a blueprint for other nations.
While several countries have initiated efforts to regulate social media for children, none have proposed measures as comprehensive as Australia’s.
By enforcing strict penalties and robust age-verification systems, the legislation demonstrates an aggressive approach to mitigating risks to young users.
Its success will depend on effective implementation and cooperation from social media companies.
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