Australia's Bold Move: Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16 Draws Mixed Responses

Australia (The Uttam Hindu): Australia's new social media ban for children under 16 has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding it as a necessary step for child safety, while others criticize it as an overreach. The government, calling the ban a world-first, says it will protect children from the dangers of excessive social media use, including body image issues and misogynistic content. However, tech companies like TikTok argue that the ban could push young people to more dangerous corners of the internet.

The law, passed late Thursday, mandates that tech giants like Meta (Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok block minors from logging in, with penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance. A trial enforcement period will begin in January, and the full ban will be implemented in a year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the law's importance for protecting children's physical and mental well-being. "Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids," he said. "We’re making sure that mums and dads can have that different conversation today and in future days."

In Sydney, responses were divided. Some, like Francesca Sambas, supported the ban, citing concerns over inappropriate content children may encounter online. Others, such as 58-year-old Shon Klose, expressed anger, questioning the government's right to impose such laws. "I feel that this government has taken democracy and thrown it out the window," Klose said.

Children, meanwhile, indicated they would find ways around the ban. "I feel like I still will use it, just secretly get in," said 11-year-old Emma Wakefield.

While other countries like France and some U.S. states have introduced laws to restrict minors’ social media use, Australia's ban is one of the strictest. Florida has attempted a full under-14s ban, but it is currently facing legal challenges over free speech concerns.

The Australian government fast-tracked the bill through parliament amid criticism that the legislation had not been sufficiently scrutinized. Despite this, the bill passed in the lower house on Friday morning.

TikTok expressed disappointment with the hasty implementation, saying the ban could drive children to less safe, unregulated corners of the internet. "We’re disappointed the Australian government has ignored the advice of many experts who have opposed the ban," a spokesperson for the company said.

Prime Minister Albanese defended the decision to pass the bill before the completion of the age verification trial, stressing that the government was sending a clear message about its priorities. He compared the social media ban to the legal restrictions on alcohol for those under 18, acknowledging that while enforcement won't be perfect, the law was the right move for child safety.

The move may strain Australia's relationship with the United States, particularly with figures like Elon Musk, who criticized the ban on social media, suggesting it could be a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet." The ban also adds to the growing tension between Australia and U.S.-based tech companies, following Australia's previous laws requiring social media platforms to pay news outlets royalties and its efforts to tackle scams online.