Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media

Australian authorities are preparing to pass a law banning social media for children under 16, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The document, which the official described as a world-leading package of measures, could come into force at the end of next year.

Image source: Mircea Iancu / pixabay.com

The country is currently testing an age verification system that will help block children’s access to social networks. “Social media is harming our children, and I call for it,” Mr. Albanese said at a news conference. Excessive use of social networks, in his opinion, poses a threat to the physical and mental health of minors.

Several countries intend to legally limit the use of social networks by children, but the policy of the Australian authorities may be one of the strictest. Nowhere has anyone tried to implement age verification mechanisms based on biometrics or government identification. Australia intends to set the highest age limit and make no exceptions such as parental consent or existing accounts. The bill will be introduced into the Australian Parliament this year and will come into force 12 months after ratification by legislators.

The ban may affect platforms such as Instagram✴, Facebook✴, TikTok, X and YouTube. This measure may provoke young people to explore darker Internet resources that cannot be regulated; and they will not have access to the platforms where they can get support, said the Digital Industry Group (DIGI), which includes Meta✴, TikTok, X and Google. Australian authorities are trying to solve a 21st century problem with 20th century methods, said DIGI Managing Director Sunita Bose. “Rather than blocking access through bans, we need to take a balanced approach to creating age-appropriate spaces, building digital literacy and protecting young people from online harm,” Ms Bose added.