Big tech platforms are liable for $32 million fines for breaking the new legislation.

Australia has enacted the world’s strictest social media regulations, barring children under 16 from accessing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

The legislation, which will take full effect by late 2025, mandates tech giants to implement robust age-verification systems or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million), a groundbreaking move that positions Australia as a leader in the global push to regulate Big Tech and safeguard young users.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government championed the Social Media Minimum Age Bill amidst growing concerns about the negative impact of digital platforms on youth mental health. Issues like cyberbullying and body image disorders have reached crisis levels, with parents and advocacy groups recounting harrowing experiences of children driven to self-harm.

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Recent polling shows 77% of Australians support the ban, highlighting strong public sentiment for stricter controls, according to local media.

The campaign, bolstered by media outlets such as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, resonated with a national audience. The “Let Them Be Kids” initiative further galvanized parents, many of whom view the legislation as a way to reclaim control over their children’s digital lives. The law has also become a political win for Albanese, whose government is facing declining approval ratings ahead of the 2025 elections.

While the law has been celebrated by many, it has sparked significant debate over practical implementation. Social media companies, including Meta, Snap, and TikTok, have criticized what they called “a rushed process and lack of clear guidance” on age-verification methods.

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Critics worry that enforcement mechanisms - such as biometric scans or identity verification - may infringe on user privacy and be vulnerable to circumvention via tools like VPNs.

Moreover, tech companies have argued the restrictions could lead to unintended consequences. They claim the ban may push young users to less-regulated parts of the internet, increasing their exposure to unsafe content. Youth advocates and digital researchers echo these concerns, suggesting the legislation might isolate vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQIA and migrant teens, who rely on online communities for support.

A global test case

Australia’s stance has set a global precedent. Unlike other nations’ regulations, which often allow exceptions for parental consent or focus on younger age groups, Australia’s ban is absolute. Countries like France and U.S. states such as Utah have enacted similar laws, but enforcement remains inconsistent, with VPN use enabling widespread circumvention.

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Prime Minister Albanese acknowledges that the policy is not foolproof but emphasizes its symbolic importance in setting societal norms. “Just as alcohol bans for minors don’t eliminate access, this law establishes boundaries that prioritize children’s well-being,” he argued.
The law also builds on Australia’s history of taking on Big Tech, such as its earlier legislation requiring social platforms to pay for news content.

As the trial phase for enforcement begins in January 2024, Australia faces critical questions about the practicality of its approach. The government must balance protecting young users while avoiding overreach that could strain privacy rights or international relations. Elon Musk and other prominent voices have criticized the legislation as a potential overstep, likening it to broader internet control.

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Nevertheless, global leaders are watching closely. Norway has pledged to follow Australia’s lead, and the UK is contemplating similar measures. Whether Australia’s bold strategy succeeds in mitigating social media harms - or exacerbates challenges through unintended consequences - will serve as a critical benchmark for countries grappling with the pervasive influence of Big Tech.

NewsCafe has used some reporting from Reuters and BBC for this story.

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