Australia Bans Under-16 From Social Media Platforms

Australia’s parliament passed a world-first law on Thursday that bans children under 16 from using social media, putting tech companies on notice to strengthen security before an unspecified deadline.

The ban came following the passage of a groundbreaking law in parliament.

The new law was drafted in response to what the Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described as a “clear, causal link between the rise of social media and the harm [to] the mental health of young Australians.

“We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs,” Albanese told reporters afterwards.

The new law passed by the Senate with 34 votes to 19 prohibits platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Reddit from allowing users under 16.

Companies found in violation could face fines of up to AU$50 million (US$32 million). YouTube has been excluded from the ban due to its educational content.

While the law has been hailed by some as a bold move to protect children, it has drawn criticism from academics, advocacy groups, and tech experts.