Additional Coverage:
- A social media ban for under-16s passes the Australian Senate and will soon be a world-first law (newsbreak.com)
Australia Enacts World’s First Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The Australian government has passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The law, set to become the first of its kind globally, imposes fines of up to $33 million on platforms that fail to prevent underage users from creating accounts.
The platforms have been given a year to implement the ban. However, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on children’s privacy and access to support networks.
Advocates Welcome the Move
Online safety campaigners and families of victims of online abuse have welcomed the ban, calling it a step towards protecting children from online predators and cyberbullying.
Privacy Concerns and Unintended Consequences
Critics argue that the ban could have unintended consequences, such as isolating children and depriving them of the positive aspects of social media, like connecting with friends and accessing information. They also raise concerns about the privacy implications, as platforms will need to verify users’ ages.
Government and Opposition Views
The government maintains that the ban is necessary to protect children from the dangers of social media. The opposition supports the ban but has proposed amendments to strengthen privacy protections.
Industry Reaction
Social media platforms have expressed concerns about the law’s practicality and impact on their users. They argue that the ban was rushed through Parliament without proper consideration of the evidence.