Australia Passes Bill to Ban Social Media for Under-16s Amid Digital ID Concerns and Tech Giants' Opposition

Nov 26, 2024, 09:00 AM

Australia's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, moving closer to enacting a world-first law aimed at protecting minors online. The legislation prohibits social media companies from allowing users under 16 to create accounts, even with parental permission, and imposes fines of up to $33 million for non-compliant platforms. The bill has faced criticism from global tech giants including Meta, TikTok, and Google, who have urged the government to delay the legislation, citing concerns over unintended consequences, age verification methods, privacy, and potential impacts on online anonymity. Critics also raise concerns over the bill's implications for Digital ID requirements and the powers of the eSafety Commissioner to set age restrictions. A Senate committee has backed the bill, despite the rushed process and lack of consultation. Polling indicates that 77% of Australians support banning children under the age of 16 from social media. Several politicians, including Liberal Senators Bridget Archer and Alex Antic, have expressed opposition to the bill, criticizing it as "utterly rushed." Despite opposition, the bill is expected to pass the parliament within days after being signed off in a truncated Senate inquiry.