-
Social Media Ban: Australia plans to ban social media for users under 16 to protect children’s mental health.
-
Stringent Legislation: The law would require platforms to use advanced age-verification methods, holding them responsible for blocking underage users.
-
Global Precedent: Australia’s policy follows global trends in youth social media restrictions.
Australia is taking a bold step to safeguard its young citizens’ online well-being by proposing a ban on social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that social media harms kids, particularly regarding body image pressures and misogynistic content ¹. This move has garnered praise from various sectors, including Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who called it a “great move”.
The proposed legislation would enforce an age cutoff across major platforms without exception for parental consent. Social media companies like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube would need to utilize advanced age-verification methods. This approach is yet to be tested on a large scale and would make Australia’s policy one of the most stringent globally.
Australia’s Parliament will review the bill later this year, and if passed, it will take effect within a year. With bipartisan support, the law is likely to clear legislative hurdles, reinforcing Australia’s stance on digital safety for minors.
Great move ! pic.twitter.com/PRWSgcH0P7
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) November 7, 2024
