Australia’s government promises “world-leading” steps to restrict social media for under-16s.
Under Australia’s planned law, under-16s will be banned from social media, regardless of parental consent.
Platforms must ensure they block under-16s, as parental consent will not exempt young users from the government’s age limit.
As Reuters reported, “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese said. “The onus won’t be on parents or young people.”
“What we are announcing here and what we will legislate will be truly world leading,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.
According to the Digital Industry Group, whose members include Meta, TikTok, X, and Google, the ban risks driving young users to explore darker, unregulated internet spaces.
“Keeping young people safe online is a top priority … but the proposed ban for teenagers to access digital platforms is a 20th Century response to 21st Century challenges,” said DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose.
“Rather than blocking access through bans, we need to take a balanced approach to create age-appropriate spaces, build digital literacy and protect young people from online harm,” she added.
According to ABC News, the government will hold a virtual national cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss the changes, with state and territory leaders being asked to endorse the policy.
France proposed barring social media for those under 15 last year, but parental permission allowed exceptions.
In the United States, parental consent has long been required for tech companies to access data on under-13s, so most platforms restrict that age group.
The use of social media among under-16s is a growing concern, whether or not there are parental controls in place. Governments across different countries are now focusing on this issue.
It is worth noting that, previously, the ASIO chief raised concerns about social media threats to national security.