The Australian government has introduced a bill that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media, requiring platforms to implement strict age verification measures or face financial penalties of up to AU$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland presented the amendment to the Online Safety Act, stating that the law shifts the responsibility of age verification from parents and young people to social media companies, aiming to minimise exposure to harmful content, such as drug abuse and self-harm, which two-thirds of Australian teenagers aged 14–17 reportedly encounter online.
The legislation applies to platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and Reddit and mandates that platforms implement the measures within a year.
The bill has bipartisan support, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arguing it addresses parental concerns about the impact of social media on children’s physical and mental health.
However no exemptions would be made for parental consent or existing accounts, sparking criticism from privacy advocates and free speech proponents. Elon Musk, owner of X, called it a “backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”
Critics have highlighted that the mandatory age verification requirement will serve as a covert mechanism for registering all Australians for internet use, potentially allowing the government to monitor and control online activity. Under the proposed framework, users would need to provide proof of age to access platforms, raising fears about the erosion of privacy and expanded government control over freedom of speech and information.
Concerns have also been raised about how this data will be stored, secured, and potentially misused, with some arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for future internet regulations.
The measures reflect a global trend, as countries like China, France, Spain, and several US states have also enacted restrictions on minors’ social media use. Critics warn, however, that Australia’s approach could open the door to increased government oversight under the guise of child protection.
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