In a groundbreaking move, Australia’s House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The proposed legislation now awaits approval from the Senate, and if passed, it could become the first law of its kind in the world to regulate children’s access to social media.
The bill, supported by major political parties, imposes heavy fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (USD 33 million) on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram if they fail to prevent children from creating accounts. In addition, the legislation prohibits platforms from requiring government-issued IDs for age verification, following amendments pushed by opposition lawmakers. This move seeks to protect privacy while ensuring that platforms are held accountable for enforcing the age restrictions.
The bill has gained significant attention from those advocating for online safety, including Wayne Holdsworth, a Melbourne resident whose 17-year-old son, Mac, tragically took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam. Holdsworth has been vocal in pushing for stronger protections for children online.
Despite the urgency surrounding the bill, social media platforms have lobbied for a delay until at least June next year, citing the need for further evaluation of age verification technologies by the government. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly backed the bill, declaring earlier this month that a social media ban for kids under 16 is essential for safeguarding young users.
While the bill has gained widespread support, it has also faced criticism. Some opponents argue that the legislation raises privacy concerns, could isolate children, and might limit parental control over their children’s social media use. There are also worries that the ban could push children toward the dark web, making it harder for them to report online harms.
The bill now awaits the Senate’s approval, and if enacted, it could mark a significant shift in the way countries approach the regulation of children’s online activity.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
