Australia passes world-first laws banning social media for kids | ABC News

Summary

Australia has passed groundbreaking legislation banning children and teenagers under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook starting next year. This move follows a late-night vote in Parliament, with strong support from both Labor and the Coalition. While the exact methods to verify users' ages remain unclear, the government aims to have social media platforms enforce the ban. The decision has drawn international attention, with both support and criticism, especially from youth in Europe, where some countries are considering similar measures to protect young users from online dangers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australia's parliament has passed world-first laws banning children and teenagers under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook starting next year.
• 😀 The law passed after a late-night vote in the Senate, with the Labor Party and Coalition working together to get it through, despite some opposition from certain Coalition senators.
• 😀 The ban will not apply to messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
• 😀 The law is set to be enforced a year from now, giving time for teenagers, parents, and social media platforms to prepare.
• 😀 The social media platforms themselves will be responsible for keeping children under 16 off their services, with the eSafety Commissioner monitoring and imposing fines for non-compliance.
• 😀 Details on how age verification will be handled remain unclear, with discussions around potential methods such as ID checks or face scanning, but nothing finalized yet.
• 😀 The global reaction has been widespread, with major news outlets like BBC, CNN, and the New York Times covering the story.
• 😀 In Russia, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are already banned, and Russian state media has been reporting on Australia's decision.
• 😀 Some teenagers interviewed in Europe expressed concerns that a ban on social media could be difficult for their generation, as they are heavily reliant on these platforms.
• 😀 European countries like the UK and France are closely monitoring Australia's approach, with the UK tech secretary expressing interest in how Australia implements this ban and whether it is backed by sufficient evidence.
• 😀 France already has laws banning social media for children under 15 without parental consent, and other European nations are also watching Australia's actions closely.

Q & A

What new law has Australia passed regarding social media use?

Australia has passed a law that bans children and teenagers under the age of 16 from using popular social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. This law will take effect at the end of 2026.

Which political parties supported the passing of the social media ban in Australia?

Both the Labor and Coalition parties in Australia supported the passing of the social media ban, though some Coalition Senators, such as Matt Canavan and Alex Antic, voted against it due to concerns that it was being rushed through.

What platforms are covered by the new law in Australia?

The new law covers social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. However, it does not apply to messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

When will the new law take effect in Australia?

The law will take effect at the end of 2026, giving social media companies and parents time to prepare for the changes.

How will the age verification process work under the new law in Australia?

The exact method for verifying if users are under 16 is still unclear. Potential methods could include ID checks, face scanning, or App Store-level verification, but these details have not yet been confirmed.

Will social media companies require users to submit passports for age verification under the new law?

No, the Australian government has assured that users will not be required to submit their passports or other forms of identification to social media companies for verification.

How have international news outlets reacted to Australia's social media ban?

International news outlets such as the New York Times, BBC, CNN, and Reuters have extensively covered Australia's social media ban. Reactions have varied, with some expressing support and others questioning the move.

What is the opinion of teenagers in Europe regarding the Australian social media ban?

Some teenagers in Europe expressed concerns about how difficult it would be to live without social media, as they are accustomed to it in their daily lives. However, others agreed with the ban, recognizing the dangers posed by online content for younger users.

Are any other countries considering similar measures to Australia’s social media ban?

Yes, the UK is closely monitoring Australia's approach to assess how it works and the evidence behind it. France has already implemented a similar ban for children under 15 without parental consent, and other European countries are also watching Australia's actions.

What is the global significance of Australia’s new social media law?

Australia’s new law is significant as it could set a precedent for other countries addressing online safety for minors. Many nations, especially in Europe, are paying close attention to the law's effectiveness and its potential to be implemented elsewhere.