Australia has passed a law banning social media use for children under 16, addressing concerns about the negative impact of these platforms on kids' well-being. The ban will take effect in November 2025.
Social media platforms operating in Australia must implement age verification measures to prevent underage access or face substantial fines. Lawmakers rejected requests from tech companies like Google and Meta to postpone the ban pending an age-verification trial.
A late amendment ensures platforms cannot compel users to provide sensitive personal data for age verification. This move aligns with growing global concerns about online safety for children, as highlighted in articles like Australia Bans Social Media for Kids Under 16 and UK Online Habits 2024: Increased Usage and Growing Safety Concerns.
While some tech companies may resist these changes, as seen in FTC Investigates Microsoft's Bundling Practices, the focus on protecting young users online remains a priority.