Australia Becomes 1st Country to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Australia has made history by passing the world’s first law banning social media use for children under 16. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the new legislation aims to protect young people from online harms.

The law prohibits platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X from allowing under-16s to hold accounts. Violators face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (₹4,225 crores). The platforms have a year to figure out how to implement the restrictions before penalties kick in. YouTube is exempt, as it is widely used for educational purposes in schools.

UNICEF Australia expressed concerns, emphasizing that banning children from social media won’t fix the root causes of online harm. Katie Maskiell, Head of Policy and Advocacy, stated, “It is crucial to recognise that simply banning social media access does not address the root causes of online harm.”

Maskiell also pointed out potential risks, such as children finding covert ways to access social media or using it without parental knowledge. She stressed the importance of digital literacy programs, saying, “Education and awareness are key to reducing risks and making a safer online environment for young people.”

The law has received strong backing domestically, with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp leading a campaign called “Let Them Be Kids.” However, it has faced criticism internationally, with Elon Musk calling it a “backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”

While the law sets a precedent, debates continue over its effectiveness and potential unintended consequences. With platforms racing to comply, only time will tell how this move impacts the digital landscape for young Australians.