Australia to Set Age for Social Media Entry

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that a new bill with 16 as the minimum age to access social media would be introduced in the parliament. The move that seems to reduce the damages created by online platforms transfers more responsibilities of age bar on tech companies. Online service providers violating the platform might be penalized with an amount of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.

Albanese highlighted that the legislation is designed to address widespread concerns from parents about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being. “Social media is doing real harm to kids, and I’m calling time on it,” he said. The government aims to provide families with stronger protections while supporting safe and healthy online experiences for young people.

It was launched after thorough consultation with all interested experts, parents, and community organizations. It complements the existing measures in Australia concerning online safety as it includes trials for age assurance technologies and harsher penalties on platforms that do not pass the safety standards.

This bill should be enacted by late November 2024. The platforms would be allowed 12 months to set up the systems of compliance as required under it. The Albanese government will work together with stakeholders to ensure that this law will also contribute towards protection of the right of children in basic educational and health services available online.

This radical act brings Australia closer to attaining its child protection goals in the digital age.