Proposed Social Media Law in Australia: Platforms Face $33M Fines Over Under-16 Users

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Australia is on the verge of implementing a groundbreaking law that could redefine the global conversation on online safety and children’s access to social media. The Australian Senate began deliberations on Thursday over a bill that would prohibit children under 16 years old from accessing platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram.

The legislation, which has already passed the House of Representatives with a resounding 102-13 vote, introduces penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million USD) for social media platforms that fail to enforce the ban. If passed, this law would be the first of its kind globally, setting a precedent for regulating children’s use of social media.

A Controversial but Popular Move

The proposed bill comes amidst rising concerns about the impact of social media on young users. The Australian government claims the legislation reflects parents’ demands for stronger protections against social media addiction and exposure to harmful content. Critics, however, argue that the law is rushed, impractical, and fraught with unintended consequences.

Platforms have pushed back, labeling the law as “unworkable” and requesting more time to adapt. They urged the Senate to delay the vote until June 2025, when a government-commissioned report on age verification technologies is due.

Critics highlight several concerns:

• Privacy Risks: Requiring age verification could jeopardize all users’ privacy.
• Parental Rights: The law could undermine parents’ ability to make decisions for their children.
• Ineffectiveness: Opponents argue that determined children may bypass restrictions, turning to dark web platforms or creating fake accounts.
• Mental Health Impacts: Limiting access to social media could isolate children and deprive them of its positive aspects, such as staying connected with friends and accessing supportive communities.

Political Motivations?

Some skeptics believe the legislation is timed to appeal to voters ahead of a general election due by May 2025. The government, they argue, is aiming to win favor by showcasing its commitment to protecting children online.

Unaligned Senator Jacqui Lambie criticized the bill’s expedited passage through Parliament, calling it “undercooked.” She expressed concerns over the lack of detail, saying, “A lot of people out there thought this was a good idea until we looked at the detail, and, let’s be honest, there’s no detail.”

Implementation Timeline

If approved, platforms will have a year to develop measures to comply with the law. The penalties, including fines and potential restrictions on operating in Australia, would take effect afterward.

A Global Ripple Effect

Should the legislation pass, it is likely to inspire similar measures in other countries grappling with the challenge of regulating social media use among children. While some see Australia’s bold move as a necessary step to protect younger generations, others warn of its potential to create more harm than it prevents.

As the Senate debates this landmark legislation, the world watches closely, waiting to see whether this ambitious attempt to safeguard children online becomes a model—or a cautionary tale.