Australia moves closer to landmark ban on social media for children under 16

Australia’s House of Representatives has approved a groundbreaking bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, paving the way for the legislation to become law pending Senate approval. If enacted, it would be the first law of its kind globally, holding platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accountable for violations.

The bill, passed by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday, imposes penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for platforms that fail to prevent young children from creating accounts. Social media companies would have one year to implement age restrictions before penalties are enforced.

Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan revealed that amendments to strengthen privacy protections had been accepted by the government. Under these provisions, platforms would be prohibited from requiring users to submit government-issued identity documents, such as passports or driver’s licenses, or using government-linked digital identification systems.

“Will it be perfect? No,” Tehan told Parliament. “But if it helps, even in the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives.”

The bill was introduced to the Senate on Wednesday but was not voted on before adjournment. A vote is anticipated on Thursday, during the final parliamentary session of the year, ahead of upcoming elections.

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, virtually ensuring its passage in the Senate, where no party holds a majority. However, independent lawmakers have raised concerns over its rushed process, effectiveness, and potential unintended consequences.

Critics argue the ban could:

• Undermine parents’ authority to make decisions for their children.
• Create privacy risks for users of all ages.
• Push children toward the dark web.
• Reduce incentives for platforms to develop safer online environments.

Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel was particularly vocal, stating that the legislation would fail to address the fundamental harms of social media. “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel said.

Social media companies had requested a delay in the vote until June 2025, coinciding with the release of a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies. These companies have questioned how the ban would be effectively enforced.

Supporters of the bill include Wayne Holdsworth, an online safety advocate whose 17-year-old son, Mac, died by suicide after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. Holdsworth described the reform as “absolutely essential for the safety of our children.”

“Education is key, but this legislation provides immediate support for children and parents to better manage the risks of social media,” he told reporters. “In my opinion, it’s the greatest time in our country’s history.”

As Australia inches closer to implementing this world-first legislation, the debate highlights the challenges of balancing child safety, privacy, and parental autonomy in the digital age. Whether this reform will set a global precedent or remain an isolated measure remains to be seen.