Australia’s House of Representatives Passes Landmark Bill to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

In a groundbreaking move, Australia’s House of Representatives has approved a bill that would prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. 

The legislation, which passed by an overwhelming majority of 102 to 13 votes on Wednesday, now moves to the Senate for final approval. If enacted, this would become the first law of its kind globally, setting a precedent for stricter regulation of social media access for minors.

The bill targets major platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Under the proposed law, these companies could face fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children under the specified age from creating accounts. The legislation aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users, including issues related to mental health, online safety, and data privacy.

Once enacted, social media companies will be granted a one-year grace period to develop and implement robust age verification measures. Failure to comply after this period could result in severe financial penalties. The legislation's passage reflects bipartisan support, signaling a unified commitment to safeguarding children in the digital age.

Critics of the bill have raised questions about the feasibility of enforcing the age restrictions and potential privacy concerns related to verifying users' ages. However, supporters argue that the law is a necessary step to protect children from online harms such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and exploitation.

As the bill heads to the Senate, its potential enactment is being closely watched by policymakers and tech companies worldwide. Should it become law, it could influence global discussions on regulating social media platforms and protecting younger users.