Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban Raises Concerns from X, Meta, and TikTok

MELBOURNE – 26 NOV- Australia’s proposed legislation to ban social media access for under-16s has sparked criticism from major platforms like X, TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta, which argue the move is rushed and lacks clarity. The law, introduced to parliament last week, aims to safeguard children’s mental health and well-being, imposing fines of up to A$50 million (RM145 million) on companies failing to comply. Social media firms have raised concerns over the 24-hour consultation period, inadequate enforcement details, and privacy provisions that overlap with existing laws. While the government believes the measure will address cyberbullying, online predators, and other harms, critics warn of unintended consequences and potential violations of children's rights to access information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the legislation, calling social media a driver of anxiety and a tool for bullies and scammers, particularly affecting young Australians. He assured families the law prioritizes children’s safety. The bill includes a one-year grace period for tech companies to implement compliance measures, though exceptions may be granted for platforms like YouTube, which serve educational purposes. The proposal, part of a broader push to regulate social media, comes ahead of a general election expected in early 2025, increasing urgency for its passage before the year-end parliamentary break.