Maeve Bidonde, Staff Writer
On Thursday, Nov. 28, Australia’s parliament passed a law banning children under sixteen from using social media. According to CNN, the law was debated and passed within a week. The new law requires tech companies to take fair steps to prevent those who are underage from using social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, and X.
While the law plays a positive role in protecting underage children, it will also negatively impact tech companies. The companies rely on their social media users for profit, and now, with the new law, they could take a hit of 50 million Australian dollars or 32 million USD as a fine. Depending on the outcome of the law, more social media platforms may also be added.
‘‘Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,’’ said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a statement on CNN. “We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators.”
This decision has been characterized as the world’s toughest response to date to a long-standing problem. In the past, other countries have created restrictions but didn’t hold tech companies accountable when they violated restrictions or nationwide bans. With this new law, Australia hopes it will push these tech companies to keep children under sixteen off their platforms.
After the law, The government faced backlash after asset, and the government rushed the process. Some even made the argument that children can still find a way to get around the new law. The law will not go into full effect for another year, but the lingering question remains how the law is going to be upheld.
“These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift. Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital service,’’ said Paul Taske, Litigation Center Associate Director at NetChoice, in a statement from AP News. “Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.’’
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