The Australian Senate approved a law on Thursday banning social media for people under 16, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to protect young people online.
This new law pressures tech companies to tighten security measures, and a compliance deadline has yet to be set.
The legislation was passed late Thursday, the last sitting day of the year, after a process where the bill was introduced, debated, and approved within just one week.
The law requires tech companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from accessing social media platforms or face hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (around $32 million).
This is the strictest response globally to the issue, following a pattern of other countries introducing restrictions but stopping short of holding companies accountable for breaches. While the law is expected to apply to platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X, it could eventually cover more.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained that tackling the impact of social media on young people is a concern for “every serious government.”
He said leaders worldwide had expressed support for Australia’s approach. “We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators,” he said.
Defending the age limit of 16, he argued that young people at this age are better equipped to spot “the fakes and the danger” online.
Meanwhile, before becoming law, the bill received support from most members of Australia’s main opposition party, the Liberal Party. Senator Maria Kovacic called it a “pivotal moment in our country,” stating, “We have drawn a line in the sand. The enormous power of big tech can no longer remain unchecked in Australia.”
However, the legislation faced strong opposition from some independents and smaller parties, including Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. She criticised the major parties for trying to “deceive” Australian parents.
“This is a disaster unfolding before our eyes,” she said. “You couldn’t make this stuff up. The prime minister says he’s worried about social media. The leader of the opposition says, ‘Let’s ban it.’”
Hanson-Young warned that the approach was more about political posturing than real solutions, arguing it would push young people into further isolation.
She believes that instead of forcing young people off social media, the focus should be on making it safer for everyone, adding, “We need to make social media safer for everybody.”
