Big Tech companies criticized a new Australian law swiftly passed through parliament banning access to social media for minors under 16. The law mandates tech giants like Meta and TikTok to block youth access or face fines.
The Australian government approved the ban late on Thursday, imposing penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for violations. TikTok expressed concerns, suggesting the move may lead youths to more dangerous parts of the internet. “It’s critical that the Australian government works closely with industry to fix issues created by this rushed process,” TikTok stated.
Why Australia’s social media law for kids has everyone talking
The proposed legislation follows months of warnings to Big Tech and stems from a parliamentary inquiry where parents reported instances of self-harm linked to cyberbullying. Albanese’s Labor party secured quick passage through the legislature with support from opposition conservatives despite lacking control in the Senate. The bill was introduced last Thursday, reviewed, and approved amid a tumultuous final parliamentary day.
Meta denounced the rushed nature of the decision, pointing out discrepancies in earlier committee findings that suggested an unclear causal link between social media and youth mental health issues. It maintained that legislation failed to properly consider existing measures for age-appropriate content. Similarly, Snap criticized the law for leaving many questions unanswered.
Australia’s tech conflict has been ongoing, including prior legislation requiring platforms to compensate news organizations. Sunita Bose from the Digital Industry Group emphasized that the law’s practical implications remain uncertain, stating, “The community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them.”
The law will not activate until November 2025, while a preliminary trial for enforcement methods will start in January. Under these regulations, platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and X must ensure age verification processes. These processes lack clarity, as the government ruled out using official IDs due to privacy concerns. Young users who circumvent these controls will not face penalties, nor will their parents.
Authorities worldwide observe Australia’s law closely, with similar initiatives emerging in other regions such as Florida, Texas, France, and the UK. All are considering raising age limits or enhancing content oversight. The move has gained significant public support in Australia, with a YouGov survey indicating that 77% of voters favor the ban despite the substantial pushback from social media companies.
Experts caution against the blunt approach of a blanket ban. Issues of targeted harmful content remain unaddressed, and online platforms like YouTube or messaging services such as WhatsApp and Discord are exempt, despite their potential for bullying and harmful interactions. Lisa Given, a professor at RMIT University, contends that focusing exclusively on age limitations oversimplifies a complex issue.
Across the international area, the ramifications of Australia’s decision extend beyond its borders. The World Health Organization recently highlighted the broader impacts of problematic social media use on adolescent development. The agency advocated for “immediate and sustained action,” drawing attention to the rise in mental health concerns related to social media exposure.
The experience of young people engaging with technology continues to provoke debate. UNICEF warns that the ban risks pushing minors into less regulated spaces online. The agency argues for holding platforms accountable for fostering safe, age-appropriate online environments rather than imposing restrictive access.
As concerns around youth online safety grow, so does the scrutiny on how effectively laws such as Australia’s can be enforced. Skepticism regarding age verification methods and consistent oversight resonates with tech giants grappling with compliance challenges. A pending trial will reveal crucial insights into the practicalities of the law as it approaches its activation phase.
Featured image credit: Danny Burke/Unsplash
