Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Australia Becomes the First Country to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Australia has passed the world’s toughest social media restrictions, requiring platforms to prevent children under 16 from accessing their services or face multi-million dollar penalties.

The Social Media Minimum Age bill, approved by the Senate on Thursday, requires social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to verify users’ age or risk fines of up to A$50 million ($32 million). The legislation, described as a “pivotal moment” by Liberal Sen. Maria Kovacic, is expected to affect major platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit and X.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the legislation on Friday, saying it sends a message that “we’ve got your back” to parents. He previously warned parliament about social media’s role in bullying, peer pressure, and online predation.

The bill faced fierce criticism over its rushed timeline, moving from introduction to approval within a week. A Senate committee inquiry received over 100 submissions during a 24-hour window, ultimately recommending passage with modifications, including prohibiting the use of government documents for age verification.

Greens Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young opposed the legislation, warning it could push young people into “further isolation” while allowing platforms to continue operating with “no social responsibility.” 

Tech giants have questioned the rapid implementation. Meta (Nasdaq: META) and TikTok said they support safer social media for young users but criticized the law’s hasty passage. Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) advocated for “device-level age verification to simplify the process,” while X said its platform is not widely used by minors.

Some experts warned the restrictions could expose children who evade the ban to unrestricted content and deter them from reporting problems to adults. Suicide Prevention Australia argues that the ban “fails to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people’s mental health and sense of connection.”

Suicide Prevention Australia has urged politicians to reconsider the U16s social media ban 📲"While we acknowledge challenges with online platforms, this bill fails to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection"

6 News Australia (@6newsau.bsky.social) 2024-11-28T03:25:25.501Z

Despite concerns, a recent YouGov poll showed 77% of Australians favor the under-16 ban, based on a survey of 1,515 people with a 3.2% margin of error.

The government will conduct broad consultations before setting an implementation date when existing underage accounts will be deactivated. While parents and children won’t face penalties for violations, companies must demonstrate reasonable measures to enforce age restrictions.

Parent advocacy group Heads Up Alliance called for expanding the restrictions to include platforms like Discord and YouTube Shorts.


Information for this story was found via Bloomberg, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Gold Drilling Scaled to 60,000 Meters: How Big Can This Get? | Roger Rosmus – Goliath Resources

Baselode Energy To Acquire Forum Energy: The Merger Of Equals Deal

TriStar Gold: The Revised Castelo de Sonhos Prefeasibility Study

Recommended

ESGold To Expand Mine Building At Montauban In Advance Of Gold & Silver Production

Goliath Resources Expands 2025 Drill Program To 60,000 Metres

Related News

Supreme Cannabis Expands International Shipments To Australia, Minimal Details Provided

Supreme Cannabis (TSX: FIRE) this morning proudly announced that it has completed its first shipment...

Friday, January 8, 2021, 08:27:53 AM

Australia’s Government Proposes Hiking Wages to Fight Inflation

In wake of surging consumer inflation and energy prices, Australia’s government is proposing to raise...

Friday, June 3, 2022, 03:57:00 PM

Anglo American Faces Months-Long Shutdown at Major Coking Coal Project

Anglo American Plc‘s (LON: AAL) Grosvenor underground mine in Queensland, Australia, has been halted due...

Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 09:42:35 AM

Australia’s Central Bank Breaks Hawkish Tightening Cycle as Mortgage Rates Bite Debt-Laden Consumers

Australia’s central bank has become the first among developed economies to downshift its rapid tightening...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022, 05:54:37 PM

300 Jobs Cut as Albemarle Halts Expansion at West Australia Lithium Facility

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) has announced major operational changes at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing...

Thursday, August 1, 2024, 11:24:00 AM