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Goodbye social media? New bill passed bans social media for under-16s! Google, TikTok, Meta and Elon Musk's X face public resistance and million-dollar fines
The Chamber approved, with a large majority of 102 votes against 13, a new bill that prohibits the use of social networks by minors under 16 years old. The measure, which still needs to be debated by the Australian Senate, promises to be one of the strictest pieces of legislation in the world to control digital platforms.
Companies such as Google, TikTok, Meta (owner of Facebook) and Elon Musk's X have exerted pressure to postpone the implementation, arguing the need for technical adjustments.
Senate must decide the future of the proposal
The Australian Senate will consider the bill this Wednesday (27), with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government seeking approval before parliament closes the following day. Albanese, who is trying to boost his popularity ahead of May's election, argues that excessive use of social media puts young people's mental and physical health at risk. The initiative already has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives but faces resistance from smaller groups in the Senate.
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Million-dollar fines and age verification systems
If passed, the bill would require social media platforms to implement effective age verification systems, including technologies such as biometrics or government IDs. Companies that violate the rules could face fines of up to A$49,5 million (US$32 million). Despite this, a Senate committee has recommended that platforms avoid requiring sensitive information such as passports to protect users’ privacy.
Debate over new bill divides opinions among families and experts
The announcement comes after a series of parliamentary inquiries that heard testimony from parents about the devastating effects of cyberbullying, including cases of self-harm among young people. While the proposal has strong public support – 77 per cent of Australians are in favour, according to a YouGov poll – critics have raised concerns about freedom of expression and social impact.
Parents’ groups argue that children under 16 are not mature enough to navigate the digital world without proper supervision. On the other hand, youth rights advocates say the ban could limit important social and family connections. Students like 16-year-old Enie Lam point out that restricting access does not solve the underlying problem. “I understand that excessive use is bad, but a ban is not the solution,” she said.
Tech companies and human rights lobby against bill
Tech giants including Google and Meta are calling for the law to be delayed until the age verification system is tested, expected in mid-2025. TikTok has also called for more consultations before any final decision, while Elon Musk's X has called the proposal a potential violation of children's human rights.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has also spoken out against the measure, saying it undermines young people's freedom of self-expression and restricts their participation in society. Despite this, the government argues that the public health benefits outweigh the concerns raised.
Bipartisan support ensures progress, but with reservations
While the government secured support from the conservative opposition, it failed to win over the Greens and some right-wing lawmakers, who highlight privacy and civil liberties concerns. Two Conservative senators have said they will vote against it, arguing that approval should await the results of age-verification tests. Even a member of the House of Representatives broke with his party, in a rare instance of political disagreement, and voted against the bill.
“Let Them Be Kids” campaign gains traction among families
Public pressure for the ban has grown with support from parent advocacy groups and media outlets. The “Let Them Be Kids” campaign, led by News Corp, Australia’s largest newspaper publisher, has helped popularise the measure. Jenny Branch-Allen, chair of the Australian Parents Council, has stressed the need to hold big tech companies accountable: “It’s time to reduce the social media-related issues affecting our children.”
The bill’s approval not only reflects local concerns, but could also influence global debates on the regulation of digital platforms. The Senate’s decision will be crucial in determining the next steps in the fight to protect young people in the digital age.
What do you think of this measure adopted in Australia? Would you like to see a similar law applied in Brazil, banning social media for minors under 16? How would you react if this happened here? Leave your opinion in the comments!
