Australia is set to pioneer one of the strictest measures worldwide, aiming to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this initiative as part of a comprehensive package of measures, which could become law by late next year.
To enforce the ban, Australia is trialing an age-verification system utilizing biometrics and government-issued IDs, marking a first in any jurisdiction. “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it,” Albanese stated, highlighting the risks associated with excessive social media use, including negative impacts on physical and mental health.
The proposed legislation does not allow for parental consent or exemptions for pre-existing accounts, making it one of the most stringent policies globally. Social media platforms like Meta's Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube are expected to comply by demonstrating reasonable steps to prevent underage access.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the world-leading nature of this legislation. However, the Digital Industry Group (DIGI) has raised concerns that such measures might push young people towards unregulated parts of the internet, advocating instead for a balanced approach that includes digital literacy and age-appropriate online spaces.
Similar efforts have been made internationally, with France proposing a ban for users under 15 with parental consent allowed and the U.S. enforcing data access restrictions for children under 13. Australia's move stands out with the highest age limit and strict enforcement mechanisms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
