The Government has tabled legislation to enforce afor social media users.
The bill includes fines of $50 million for platforms, like Instagram and Snapchat, if they don’t block children under 16.
It followed public pressure to restrict children’s social media access.
The Opposition has said it will support the bill, meaning it will likely pass. Once that happens, the ban will come into effect within a year.
Background
Campaign group 36 Months has been calling for a social media ban for children under 16, citing concerns about young people’s mental health.
Since May, more than 127,000 people have signed the group’s online petition to lift the age of social media access.
Earlier this year, South Australia became the first jurisdiction in the country to move towards restricting teens under 16 from social media.
Ban
The Government’s ban will make it illegal for children under 16 to access certain social media platforms.
, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook must stop children under 16 from creating an account.
Under 16s will still be able to watch YouTube because the site does not require an account to watch most videos.
Messaging apps and online gaming platforms will be exempt from the ban.
Young people will also be able to create accounts to access educational platforms.
The responsibility will fall on social media companies to enforce the ban. Failure to comply will result in a $50 million fine.
The Government is trialling “age assurance” technology to find the best way to verify users’ age.
Legislation
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland introduced the bill to Parliament on Thursday.
“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians,“ Rowland said.
The bill is expected to pass after the Opposition expressed support for the ban.
Once passed, the age limit for social media accounts will come into effect within 12 months.
Coalition
The Opposition has long been in favour of an under-16 ban on social media.
In June, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he’d introduce a ban within 100 days of coming to power if the Coalition wins the next election.
On Wednesday, Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman told the ABC he supported the age limit, saying “we want to get this done”.
“We want to see this bill passed before… the end of the year.”
Pushback
The Greens are against an age limit.
The party’s communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said: “You don’t make platforms safer by just locking young people out.”
She pointed to a parliamentary committee report earlier this week which did not recommend a ban.
“Whether you’re a 14-year-old or a 64-year-old — these companies have a responsibility to provide a safe product,” Hanson-Young said.
Independent MP Zoe Daniel said the ban will possibly address some concerns about online safety. However, she said it will be “difficult” for parents who have 13-15 year-olds with existing social media accounts to ensure they’re removed.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has also expressed some concerns about what it called a “blanket ban”.
In a statement, the Commission said: “Excluding young people from these platforms may isolate them from their peers and limit their ability to access much-needed information and support.”
