Two news reports from Reuters have indicated the likely impact on the social media ban for under-16s in Australia.
Australia, the sixth-largest country in the world, has a population of 2.66 crore. Australia has about 2.2 million children in the 5–12 years age group and about 1.4 million children in the 13–17 years age group. Australia’s GDP per capita is USD 64,711.77, according to World Bank.
In Australia, there are 20.8 million social media users, accounting for 78.3 percent of the population in the country. Internet penetration is 95 percent of the population. Facebook is the most popular social network in Australia, with 16 million users. Instagram has 11.78 million users. TikTok has 8.3 million users in Australia.
Under-16s will not be able to access these prominent digital platforms. But they can access Google-owned YouTube, though it has significant amount of adult content on the video platform. The government did not ban the use of YouTube due to its use in classrooms.
Australian Human Rights Commission in a statement said yesterday: “Given the potential for these laws to significantly interfere with the rights of children and young people, the Commission has reservations about the proposed social media ban.”
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has noted that content moderation and content controls should not be used to restrict children’s access to information in the digital environment; they should be used only to prevent the flow of harmful material to children.
Today, Australia passed a law banning children under 16 from accessing social media, imposing fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for violations. It is among the strictest laws globally targeting Big Tech.
A trial for enforcement methods begins in January 2024, with the full ban set to take effect in 2025.
The law sets a precedent for governments worldwide amid rising concerns over the mental health impact of social media on young people.
Unlike laws in countries like France or U.S. states that allow access with parental permission, Australia’s ban is absolute.
Polls show 77 percent of Australians support the ban.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a legislative victory ahead of the 2025 election, despite sagging opinion polls.
Parents and anti-bullying advocates argue the ban protects children from cyberbullying and mental health issues.
Privacy advocates, academics, and youth groups warn it may infringe on human rights, lead to excessive data collection, and alienate vulnerable groups.
Platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) face penalties but have criticized the lack of guidance on age verification methods.
YouTube is exempt, as it is widely used in schools.
The law adds to existing tensions between Australia and U.S.-based tech companies.
Elon Musk criticized the ban, calling it a potential step toward broader internet control.
Critics argue the ban may drive children to more dangerous, less regulated parts of the internet.
Young people, including students, express skepticism about the effectiveness of the ban.
The ban is part of a broader debate on social media’s role in modern life, dividing opinions between safeguarding youth and preserving their freedoms.
From late 2025, platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Snapchat must prevent users under 16 from accessing their services or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).
Enforcement methods will be tested by the Age Check Certification Scheme, a British consulting firm, involving around 12 tech companies.
Recommendations on age verification methods are expected by mid-2025.
Australia’s approach could influence international strategies for enforcing social media age restrictions.
Other countries and U.S. states have legislated age limits but face challenges balancing privacy, free speech, and enforcement.
Age-verification technology is still evolving, with no foolproof solution balancing accuracy, privacy, security, and user-friendliness.
Many teens lack standard IDs like driver’s licenses or credit cards, increasing reliance on biometric analysis.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
