Australia's Parliament passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, requiring social media platforms to block users under 16. Platforms have one year to comply, facing potential fines up to A$50 million for non-compliance. Learn more about the Australian social media ban.
Key Provisions:
- Platforms must take "reasonable steps" to verify user age.
- Methods like biometrics or government IDs may be used, but not private documents like passports.
- Platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp are exempt.
Political and Public Support:
- The bill passed with bipartisan support (102-13 vote).
- 77% of Australians support the measure according to a YouGov survey.
- The Senate is expected to approve the bill by year-end.
Concerns have been raised by teenagers about potential impacts on social connections. Youth advocates suggest focusing on online safety improvements rather than bans. Explore online safety concerns.
Tech companies like Google and Meta oppose the law, citing unclear implementation and requesting a delay. Elon Musk called it a potential "backdoor" for internet control. Read about calls for bolder action against Big Tech.
If approved by the Senate, platforms have until late 2025 to implement age verification. Australia's move may influence similar legislation in other countries.