In a landmark move to protect children from the risks associated with excessive social media use, Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to ban social media for users under the age of 16. The bill, which garnered overwhelming support in the lower house with 102 votes to 13, has sparked widespread debate both domestically and internationally.
With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government pushing for swift action, the Senate is expected to take up the bill later on Wednesday. The government aims to have the legislation enacted by Thursday, the final day of the parliamentary year.
Prime Minister Albanese, facing a tightening political climate and upcoming elections in May, has been vocal about the adverse effects of excessive social media usage on children. The government cites growing evidence of the negative impact on young users’ mental and physical well-being, ranging from cyberbullying to addiction and exposure to harmful content.
“This is about protecting our children,” Albanese said in a statement. “Parents across the country have expressed their concerns about the dangers of social media, and we’re taking decisive action to address them.”
A YouGov survey released on Tuesday revealed that 77% of Australians support the legislation, a notable increase from 61% in August, reflecting growing public concern over the issue. Major media organizations, including News Corp, have also endorsed the proposed ban, reinforcing its political momentum.
The proposed law introduces some of the toughest social media controls globally. Under its provisions:
- Social media platforms will be required to implement robust age-verification systems to ensure users are 16 or older.
- Companies found in violation could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million) for systemic breaches.
- A trial system, potentially involving biometrics or government identification, will be used to enforce the ban.
While aiming to shield minors from harm, the legislation has raised significant concerns about privacy, implementation, and children’s rights to self-expression.
Critics, including Australia’s Human Rights Commission, have argued that the ban could restrict children’s freedom of expression and access to important digital communities. These groups caution that hasty implementation might overlook the nuanced role social media plays in young people’s lives.
Karen Grogan, Chair of the Senate’s Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, emphasized the need for youth involvement. “Young people, and in particular diverse cohorts, must be at the centre of the conversation as an age restriction is implemented to ensure there are constructive pathways for connection,” Grogan said.
Tech companies, including Google, Meta, and TikTok, have expressed reservations. Google and Meta have called for a delay until the completion of the age-verification trial, citing concerns about operational feasibility and unintended consequences. ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has urged further consultation, while Elon Musk’s X warned that the law might infringe on children’s human rights.
A significant point of contention is the method of age verification. The Senate committee’s report, released late Tuesday, underscored the importance of balancing verification measures with user privacy. It recommended that platforms should provide alternative methods for age assurance that do not require sensitive personal data, such as passports or other government-issued identification.
To address these concerns, the committee proposed that the Communications Minister submit a progress report on the age-verification trial to parliament by September 30, 2025. This trial is expected to test various methods, including biometric verification and other innovative technologies.
The government has faced criticism for the expedited timeline of the bill’s passage. Introduced last Thursday, the bill saw submissions close within a day, followed by a brief public hearing on Monday. Some opposition lawmakers and independents have argued that the rushed process limits thorough consultation and risks overlooking critical flaws.
“This is an incredibly complex issue, and ramming through legislation in a week is reckless,” said one independent senator. “We need to ensure that this law is robust, effective, and fair.”
If enacted, Australia’s law would set a precedent as one of the strictest social media regulations globally. The legislation comes amid growing international scrutiny of Big Tech’s role in children’s safety online. Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States have also explored tighter regulations on social media platforms, though Australia’s proposed fines and age-verification mandates stand out for their severity.
The Albanese government has leaned heavily on public support for the ban, with surveys indicating strong backing from Australian families. The bill also aligns with the Prime Minister’s efforts to bolster his approval ratings ahead of the May election by addressing parental concerns and promoting child safety.
However, the government’s approach could also carry political risks. Critics argue that the bill may alienate younger voters and digital rights advocates, particularly if its implementation proves intrusive or ineffective.
