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0 Australia has passed trailblazing legislation that bans children under 16 from using social media applications such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 has been passed with high bipartisan support in both houses of parliament, which makes it a first worldwide in online safety regulations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the legislation would prevent young minds from mental health risks from social media. He also added that “We want Australian children to have a childhood.” New legislation sets a responsibility for the company to prevent the underage usage of their applications. The fine will be AUD 50 million or USD 32.5 million, in case it violates the new legislation.
Key Points of the Legislation:
The minimum age requirement enforced is that of 16, which happens to be the highest in all of the world. Requirements apply across all devices, without parental consent, and for older users.
Privacy Provisions. Companies must handle and purge any personal data collected under age verification in a secure way.
Exemptions: The law allows access to “educational or counseling services,” like Google Classroom and Headspace.
Implementation Timeline: Tech companies will enjoy a grace period of one year before setting into place compliance mechanisms.
Problems and Critics Critics have worried about the practicality of age verification processes and its implications for privacy. Some have even asked whether kids would circumvent the system through fake accounts or some other loopholes. Yet, the government insists that the measure puts pressure on tech companies in terms of accountability. The legislation is part of a broader effort by Australia to lead in digital safety, following years of consultation with parents, young Australians, and experts. It marks a global shift toward stricter regulation of technology’s impact on youth well-being.
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