In a move that could have a global ripple effect, Australia has passed the first-ever law to ban under 16s from social media in the world.
The new law was passed by the country’s upper house, the Senate, by 34 votes to 19; and will come into force in a year’s time.
It comes as the impact of social media on children has finally faced official scrutiny with 14 cases against one platform – TikTok – alone.
What Will the Social Media Ban Law Mean?
The law has been prompted by what prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says is a “clear, causal link between the rise of social media and the harm [to] the mental health of young Australians.”
When enacted, the online safety amendment (social media minimum age) bill will make it illegal for children under-16 years of age to access social media platforms. This is the highest age limit set by any country but also doesn’t exempt usage with parental consent. If children under this age are found to be getting online, hefty fines will be levied of up to AU$50m (US$32m).
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A trial of “age-assurance technology” is going to kick off now and will be completed in mid-2025, says The Guardian. However, much of the working detail is still under wraps including how age verification would work. “The Senate’s environment and communications legislation Committee supported the bill but added the condition that social media platforms not force users to submit personal data, including passport information”, adds the newspaper.
Although the social media platforms haven’t been named as yet, the country’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, confirmed that Snapchat, TikTok, X, Instagram, Reddit and Facebook are likely to be part of the ban. YouTube has dodged the ban because of its educational content.
Those Who are For and Against the Social Media Ban
Albanese said that this law is for families: “This is a global problem and we want young Australians essentially to have a childhood. We want parents to have peace of mind.”
There is widespread public support, according to a YouGov survey, which showed that the law has the backing of 77% of Australians. It also garner the support of all of the state and territory leaders and the country’s federal opposition.
Amnesty International was among the organizations arguing that the bill could actually be damaging. In a blog post it wrote that while it acknowledged the “harmful impacts of social media on human rights”, it believed a “ban that isolates young people will not meet the government’s objective of improving young people’s lives”. Instead, detractors say that the law could push teenagers towards isolation or looking for content on the dark web.
Christopher Stone, the executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, said in a statement: “The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall. Complex issues like this require careful consultation and consideration, not shortcuts. We urge the government to slow down and engage with stakeholders to ensure we get this right for young people.”
Amnesty International also suggests that the possible biometric age verification measures that might come into force will an “abuse of people’s right to privacy”.
A letter has also been published by 140 experts who argue that the bill is “too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively”.
Elon Musk also shared his opinion, posting on X that the law “…Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians”.
Could This Be the Start of World-Wide Social Media Bans?
The law in Australia does reflect a wider movement globally. A new law will come into effect in Florida on January 1, which bans social media accounts for children under-14; but also stipulates children aged 15 and 16 must have parental consent to engage.
Signed into law by governor Ron DeSantis, it also comes with heavy fines. Sky News reports that “Companies who fail to delete accounts risk being sued on behalf of children – with the minor awarded up to $10,000 (£7,908) – and could also be fined up to $50,000 (£39,538) per violation of the law.” It is expected to be challenged, not least by the social media companies.
However, it also has some political opposition. “This bill goes too far in taking away parents’ rights,” the Democratic state house representative Anna Eskamani said in a news release. “Instead of banning social media access, it would be better to ensure improved parental oversight tools, improved access to data to stop bad actors, alongside major investments in Florida’s mental health systems and programs.”
Beyond the States, BBC News reports that Norway is considering a ban and France already has legislation in place; but social media access for children under-15 is possible with parental consent.
