Australia has enacted a world-first law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media, placing significant accountability on tech companies to tighten security. The law, passed by the Senate on the final sitting day of the year, requires companies to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the ban or face fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 32 million).

This unprecedented move is a response to the growing concerns about social media’s impact on youth. While other nations have introduced similar restrictions, Australia is the first to hold companies accountable for violations. Platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X are expected to fall under the ban, with the possibility of more being added.

Government and Public Reactions

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the growing global concern over social media’s effects on young people, describing it as a platform that can amplify bullying, anxiety, scams, and online predation. “At 16, children are better equipped to recognize fakes and dangers,” Albanese told Parliament.

The bill received bipartisan support, with Liberal Sen. Maria Kovacic calling it a “pivotal moment” in checking the power of tech giants. “We’ve drawn a line in the sand,” she said.

However, the law faced strong opposition from smaller parties and independents. Greens Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the rushed process and warned that it could push vulnerable youth into isolation. “Social media should be made safer for everyone, not banned arbitrarily,” she argued.

A Rushed Legislative Process

The bill’s rapid progression has drawn criticism for insufficient consultation. Submissions to a Senate inquiry were open for only 24 hours, followed by a brief three-hour hearing. Despite receiving over 100 submissions, most contributors expressed concerns about the lack of thorough review.

The Senate committee recommended some amendments, including prohibiting the use of government-issued documents, like passports, for age verification.

Tech Companies’ Concerns

Tech companies raised objections, citing privacy risks and the challenges of enforcing the law. Snap Inc., the maker of Snapchat, suggested “device-level age verification” as the best solution. X, owned by Elon Musk, expressed concern about freedom of expression. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, advocated for waiting on results from age verification trials expected next year.

Meta also criticized the exclusion of platforms like YouTube and online gaming from the ban, arguing this undermines the law’s intent.

Public Support and Next Steps

Despite criticisms, the law enjoys strong public backing. A recent YouGov poll showed 77% of Australians support the ban.

The government will now consult stakeholders to determine a start date. Once implemented, accounts belonging to users under 16 will be deactivated. While parents and children will not face penalties for violations, companies must demonstrate robust efforts to comply.

This landmark legislation signals a turning point in how nations address the complex relationship between social media and youth, setting a precedent for others to follow.

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Career-networking giant LinkedIn has pushed back against proposed Australian legislation aimed at banning social media access for children under 16, arguing that its platform is simply too unappealing to minors to be included in the ban.

“LinkedIn simply does not have content interesting and appealing to minors,” the Microsoft-owned company stated in a submission to the Australian Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

Australia’s Push for a Social Media Ban

The Australian government has proposed “world-leading” legislation to restrict children’s access to social media, citing concerns over online harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the measures are designed to address the worries of parents about their children’s online safety.

While other tech giants like Meta, Google, Snapchat, and TikTok have raised objections, LinkedIn took a different stance, asserting that its professional focus and minimum age requirement of 16 make it irrelevant to younger audiences. The company added that it actively removes accounts belonging to underage users when identified.

Industry Concerns and Criticism

Other social media platforms have voiced significant concerns about the proposed legislation:

• Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) argued the bill would fail to ease the burden on parents and claimed it disregards expert advice from child safety and mental health professionals.
• TikTok Australia criticized the legislation’s rushed timeline, warning it could lead to unintended consequences.
• Google, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) raised legal and practical issues, including the bill’s reliance on age verification technologies still under trial.

Privacy and Consultation Issues

Privacy advocates and human rights experts have also criticized the bill for its hasty development and potential privacy implications. Carly Kind, Australia’s privacy commissioner, and Lorraine Findlay, human rights commissioner, have both called for more comprehensive consultation and scrutiny before the legislation is enacted.

LinkedIn’s Case for Exemption

LinkedIn argued that regulating its platform under the new law would impose unnecessary costs and barriers for its users in Australia. By avoiding inclusion in the legislation, the platform could also sidestep the need for additional age verification processes.

International Interest

Australia’s approach has garnered attention worldwide. In the UK, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned similar legislation as a possibility, while France has already implemented a law requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media. However, research suggests nearly half of French minors have bypassed the restrictions using VPNs.

What’s Next?

The Australian government plans to pass the legislation before the end of the parliamentary year. However, experts warn the current timeframe and lack of consultation could hinder its effectiveness.

As the debate continues, LinkedIn’s professional focus and limited appeal to younger audiences may ultimately exempt it from these sweeping changes.

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