Australia is on the verge of implementing one of the toughest social media bans in the world for children under 16. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill with a decisive 102-13 vote, signaling strong bipartisan support for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's center-left Labor government initiative.
The proposed legislation aims to protect the physical and mental health of young Australians by imposing strict age-verification measures on social media platforms. Under the new law, companies like Alphabet and Meta could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for failing to enforce these protections.
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may incorporate biometrics or government-issued ID to ensure compliance. The Senate is set to debate the bill later on Wednesday, with the government eager to secure its passage before the parliamentary year ends on Thursday.
Despite the government's push, major tech companies are urging a delay. Google and Meta advocate for postponing the ban until the age-verification trial concludes in mid-2025. Meanwhile, TikTok has called for more consultation, and X (formerly Twitter) has raised concerns about potential impacts on children's human rights.
The ban has ignited a heated debate across the country. While parents and advocacy groups like the Australian Parents Council support the move, arguing that it will reduce incidents of cyberbullying and self-harm among youth, young people are expressing concerns about being cut off from vital social and family connections. Sydney high school student Enie Lam, 16, stated, \"I understand that using social media a lot is not a good thing and I'm working on it. But a ban is not going to work.\"
Public opinion strongly favors the ban, with a recent YouGov survey showing 77 percent of Australians in support, up from 61 percent in August. Media outlets across the spectrum, including the Australian Broadcasting Corp and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, have backed the legislation, with News Corp launching an editorial campaign under the slogan \"Let Them Be Kids\".
Senator Karen Grogan, chair of the Senate committee, emphasized the importance of involving young people in the conversation, stating, \"Young people, and in particular diverse cohorts, must be at the center of the conversation as an age restriction is implemented to ensure there are constructive pathways for connection.\"
As the bill moves to the Senate for further debate, Australia stands at a critical juncture in balancing the benefits of social media with the need to safeguard its youngest users.
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Australia nears social media ban for children after heated debate
cgtn.com
