In a groundbreaking move, the lower house of the Australian Parliament has passed a bill aimed at banning social media platforms for children under the age of 16. If enacted, this law would make Australia the first country to implement such a measure, setting a global precedent.
Key Highlights of the Bill
- Social media platforms will be prohibited from allowing users under 16 to create accounts.
- Platforms failing to enforce this restriction could face fines of up to ₹2,270 crore.
- Companies will have one year to develop age-verification mechanisms. However, they cannot mandate the use of government documents like passports or driving licenses for verification.
Current Status
For the bill to become law, it must pass through the upper house, where reports suggest it is likely to be approved. Once enacted, platforms will have a year to comply with the new regulations.
Industry Pushback
Social media companies had requested the government to postpone voting on the bill until June 2025, citing the need for more research on age-verification methods. Critics argue the law was rushed through Parliament without sufficient examination. They also express concerns that:
- It may isolate children from the positive aspects of social media.
- It undermines parental rights to decide what’s best for their children.
Impact and Controversy
Supporters of the bill view it as a significant step toward protecting children from online harms. On the other hand, critics warn it could lead to unintended consequences, including limiting children’s access to educational and social resources available online.
If implemented successfully, this law could become a model for other countries grappling with the challenges of regulating social media usage among minors.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and is subject to updates as more information becomes available.
Also Read: Australia Considers Banning Children from Using Social Media
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