Australian House of Representatives has approved a bill to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
The bill, which passed with a commanding 102-13 vote, highlights concerns over social media’s impact on youth mental and physical health. The legislation, which still awaits Senate approval, could become law by the end of the parliamentary year, reports Reuters.
If enacted, it would mandate platforms platforms such as Google’s YouTube and Meta’s Facebook to implement robust age-verification systems, potentially including biometrics or government IDs. Companies found in systemic breach could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32 million)
The proposed age verification process has drawn scrutiny. A Senate committee recommended safeguards to ensure platforms do not compel users to provide sensitive personal data, such as passports, to prove their age. The committee also stressed the importance of including diverse youth perspectives in law-making.
However, tech companies have called for a delay. Google and Meta argued the legislation should be postponed until an age-verification trial concludes in 2025. ByteDance’s TikTok echoed the need for further consultation, while Elon Musk’s X warned the law might infringe on children’s rights.
The legislation has revealed a split in public opinion. According to a recent survey, most Australians back the bank, but there are vocal critics. Youth advocates argue the ban could isolate teenagers from vital social and family networks, while privacy and civil liberties advocates, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, warn of potential rights violations.
Parental groups, however, are rallying behind the proposal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government secured bipartisan support for the bill, marking a strategic win for the PM as he seeks to bolster his approval ratings ahead of an anticipated May election.
The government has faced criticism from both the left-leaning Greens and far-right lawmakers, who cited concerns over privacy and civil liberties. Despite this, Albanese’s push has garnered widespread media support, including from News Corp, whose editorial campaign, ‘Let Them Be Kids,’ advocates for the ban.
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