Australian Lawmakers Pass Landmark Social Media Ban for Under 16s
Landmark Ruling
Australian lawmakers have passed landmark rules to ban under 16s from social media, one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on popular sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X. The bill has now passed both parliamentary chambers with bipartisan support, and social media firms will soon be expected to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts.
Fines for Non-Compliance
Firms that fail to comply face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million). The firms, who have described the laws as "vague", "problematic", and "rushed", are concerned that the rules may be difficult to enforce.
Prime Minister’s Stance
Centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has enthusiastically championed the new rules, painting social media as "a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators". He wants young Australians "off their phones and onto the footy and cricket field, the tennis and netball courts, in the swimming pool".
Young Australians React
But young Australians like 12-year-old Angus Lydom and 11-year-old Elsie Arkinstall are not impressed. "I’ll find a way. And so will all my other friends," Lydom said. "Kids and teens should be able to explore those techniques because you can’t learn all those things from books," Arkinstall added.
Enforcement Concerns
The current legislation offers almost no details on how the rules will be enforced, prompting concern among experts that it will simply be a symbolic piece of legislation that is unenforceable. It will be at least 12 months before the details are worked out by regulators and the ban comes into effect.
Exemptions
Some companies will likely be granted exemptions, such as WhatsApp and YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for recreation, school work, or other reasons. Late amendments were introduced to ensure government-issued digital ID cannot be used as a means of age verification.
Global Impact
The legislation will be closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. Lawmakers from Spain to Florida have proposed social media bans for young teens, although none of the measures have been implemented yet. China has restricted access for minors since 2021, with under-14s not allowed to spend more than 40 minutes a day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Online gaming time for children is also limited in China.
Expert’s Opinion
Social media expert Susan Grantham told AFP that digital literacy programmes that teach children to think "critically" about what they see online should be adopted – similar to a model used in Finland.
Conclusion
The Australian government’s landmark rules on social media use for under 16s are set to have a significant impact on the global digital landscape. While the legislation has received bipartisan support, concerns remain about its enforceability and the potential for circumvention. As the world watches, other countries are likely to follow suit, weighing the pros and cons of similar bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the social media ban?
A: The ban aims to protect young Australians from the potential negative effects of social media, including peer pressure, anxiety, and online predators.
Q: What are the penalties for non-compliance?
A: Firms that fail to comply face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Q: When will the ban come into effect?
A: The ban is expected to come into effect in 12 months, once the details are worked out by regulators.
Q: Will all social media platforms be affected?
A: Yes, all social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, will be affected by the ban.
Q: What alternatives are being proposed for young Australians?
A: The government is promoting alternative activities, such as sports, music, and art, for young Australians to engage in.