World’s strictest social media law targets users under 16 in Australia

In a long-anticipated Senate vote, Australian is banning children under 16 years old from using social media. It is the world’s strictest law protecting young people from the effects of social media.

“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this month. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online.”

Social media companies already don’t allow children under the age of 13 to use their platforms, but that rule is often easily skirted by savvy young people who want to use the platform anyway. This ban, which passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 votes on Thursday, will take effect in a year. It puts the onus on social media companies — instead of parents or kids themselves — to ban the use. Tech companies could be fined up to 50 million AUD, or $32.5 million, if they don’t comply, according to the BBC.

The ruling is supported by many, many surveys and studies that detail the dangers social media can have on young people that ties social media use to mental health struggles. It’s not clear which specific social media platforms will be effected, but Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said earlier this month that it will likely include at least Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube. While this law is specific to Australia, it could have international implications as other countries continue to fight over how to handle young people online.

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