Australia passed a law Thursday banning children younger than 16 from using social media, worrying some Big Tech companies.
The Social Media Minimum Age bill requires social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and X, to prevent users below the age of 16 from accessing the websites or face fines, Reuters reported.
And it will now officially become law.
We’re doing everything we can to keep our kids safe. pic.twitter.com/1Eiy8pv7av
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 28, 2024
Violations could cost Big Tech companies up to $32 million in penalties, according to the outlet. Australia’s social media ban for minors takes effect in one year.
The ban could impact Australia’s relations with the U.S., where many Big Tech companies are based. X owner Elon Musk, a crucial ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, slammed the ban earlier in Novemver as a “backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”
Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians https://t.co/694yCzWOaB
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 21, 2024
Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, who met with Trump for dinner at Mar-a-Lago before Thanksgiving, respects Australian law but is “concerned” about the country’s “rushed” legislation and its incoming effect on “the voices of young people,” a Meta spokesperson told Reuters.
“The task now turns to ensuring there is productive consultation on all rules associated with the Bill to ensure a technically feasible outcome that does not place an onerous burden on parents and teens and a commitment that rules will be consistently applied across all social apps used by teens,” the Meta spokesperson said.
While Snapchat’s parent company agreed to abide by Australia’s social media ban, a Snap spokesperson expressed similar concern in an email to the outlet. (RELATED: Walmart Backpedals On DEI Policy, Ditches Some LGBT Merch)
“While there are many unanswered questions about how this law will be implemented in practice, we will engage closely with the Government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety and practicality,” the Snap spokesperson said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposed social media ban, which lacks exceptions for parental consent, on Nov. 7. He justified the strict legislation by citing concern of children’s mental health and safety.
TODAY: We’re introducing our bill to make 16 years the minimum age for social media.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 20, 2024
“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese said at the press conference. “This is world-leading legislation. We want to make sure that it is got right.”
“It’s something that is of enormous concern, and we know the social harm that can be caused, and we know the consequences here,” Albanese added.
Australia’s Senate passed the social media ban Thursday in a 34-19 vote, The Associated Press (AP) reported. The day before, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of the new law by 102 votes to 13.
“Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” Albanese told reporters.