Australian lawmakers approved a bill on Wednesday aimed at banning access to social media for those under 16. The legislation, which still needs to be debated in the Senate, seeks to impose stricter age restrictions.
Supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the bill will require platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to implement measures preventing young users from accessing their services.
Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (32.5 million US dollars). The vote in the lower house was overwhelmingly in favor, with 102 votes for and 13 against. The bill’s Senate debate date has not yet been announced.
Albanese emphasized that social media contributes to “social pressure, a driver of anxiety, a channel for scammers, and, worst of all, a tool for online predators.” If the bill becomes law, tech companies will have one year to comply.
This move places Australia among the most progressive countries in regulating social media to protect children. The proposed age limit would be one of the strictest worldwide, although enforcement mechanisms remain to be detailed.
Other countries have enacted similar measures. Since 2021, China has enforced strict rules, requiring identification to access social platforms. Children under 14 are limited to 40 minutes per day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and their online gaming time is also restricted.
In Spain, a law passed in June prohibits social media access for those under 16, while in Florida, a new law set to take effect in January will bar anyone under 14 from creating accounts.
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