Australia Passes Bill To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16 Australia Passes Bill To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16 
In a landmark move, Australia’s House of Representatives has approved a bill banning children younger than 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X. This legislation, supported by major political parties, will impose fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 33 million) on platforms that fail to prevent children from holding accounts.
The bill passed with 102 votes in favor and 13 against, and now awaits Senate approval, where it is expected to pass given bipartisan support. If enacted, platforms will have one year to implement age verification systems before penalties are enforced.
Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan noted amendments to strengthen privacy protections. Platforms will not be allowed to require government-issued ID, such as passports or driver’s licenses, nor demand identification through government-linked digital systems. "No law is perfect," Tehan said. "But even small steps can make a big difference to people’s lives."
While the bill has garnered strong political support, independent lawmakers have raised concerns. Critics argue it was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny and may create unintended consequences, including privacy risks, isolation of children, and pushing them toward dangerous online spaces like the dark web.
Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel labeled the legislation ineffective, claiming it won’t address the core dangers of social media. "This isn’t about making social media safe; it’s about making voters feel the government is acting," Daniel said. "There’s a reason no other country has enacted such a law—it’s impractical and risks doing more harm than good."
Others fear the ban could reduce incentives for platforms to improve safety or discourage children from reporting harmful online experiences. Social media companies had urged lawmakers to delay the vote until mid-2024, awaiting a government evaluation of age verification technologies.
Despite the criticisms, proponents like Wayne Holdsworth, a safety advocate whose 17-year-old son tragically died by suicide after an online sextortion scam, believe the law is essential. "This is a crucial step for children’s safety," Holdsworth said. "While education remains key, this provides immediate support for parents and children navigating online risks."
If passed by the Senate, the bill will set a global precedent for online safety laws, with Australia leading efforts to regulate social media access for children under 16.
(This story has been slightly reworked from an auto-generated PTI feed.)slot deposit shopeepay