Australia to Enforce World-First Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Australia’s Senate has approved a groundbreaking law prohibiting children under 16 from holding social media accounts. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook face fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) for failing to comply.

Passed with bipartisan support, the legislation strengthens privacy protections, barring platforms from requiring government IDs to verify age. The House is set to finalize amendments on Friday, with a one-year grace period for platforms to implement changes before penalties begin.

Proponents, including online safety advocates, see this as a crucial step to protect children from online harms. However, critics warn of unintended consequences, including privacy risks, isolation for vulnerable youth, and disruption to online support networks.

Mental health advocates argue the ban could harm regional youth who rely on social media for connection. Critics also claim the rushed legislation prioritizes political gain over thoughtful, evidence-based policymaking.

Despite the debate, advocates like Sonya Ryan and Wayne Holdsworth, who lost their children to online predators and scams, hail the law as a pivotal move to safeguard children online.