Australia Sets New Social Media Age Restriction to Safeguard Youth

Amid growing concerns over youth safety online, Australia passes a law to restrict social media access for under-16s. While deemed a proactive measure, critics question the potential challenges in enforcement and real-world effectiveness.

Australia has recently enacted legislation aimed at safeguarding its youth by preventing individuals under 16 from creating accounts on social media platforms. This law, heralded by officials as a "world leading" initiative, was approved unanimously by both the Senate and the lower house of Parliament, signaling a cross-party commitment to protect children online.

Michelle Rowland, the country's communications minister, emphasized the importance of this legislation, highlighting the dangers young users encounter such as drug-related content, eating disorders, and exposure to violence online. Rowland stated, “This is about protecting young people — not punishing or isolating them,” reinforcing that the primary intent of the bill is to create a safer internet environment.

Public opinion on this law appears favorable, particularly among parents and advocacy groups that prioritize child safety. However, the measure faces significant criticism from a range of stakeholders including technology companies, human rights advocates, and social media experts. Many of these critics express concerns regarding the law’s enforcement mechanisms, the extent to which users' privacy will be upheld, and ultimately, whether the ban will truly shield children from online hazards.

At the core of the legislation is a stipulation mandating social media platforms to implement “reasonable steps” to verify the ages of their users. Platforms are now tasked with ensuring that minors are prevented from creating accounts, yet the practicalities of this requirement have left many skeptical about its feasibility and overall effectiveness in achieving the intended protective outcome.