MELBOURNE, Australia — All Australian states and territories have agreed to a nationwide initiative that will require most social media platforms to restrict access for users under the age of 16.
During a virtual conference, leaders from the eight regions collaborated with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he unveiled the plan, which he describes as a groundbreaking effort. Under this proposal, platforms such as X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will be mandated to enforce the new age restriction.
“Social media is causing social harm to young Australians,” Albanese expressed to journalists. “Ensuring the safety and mental well-being of our youth must be a top priority.”
After months of discussions about establishing an age limit, the leaders were considering various options, ultimately deciding on the 16-year age threshold. Although Tasmania favored a minimum age of 14, it consented to the 16-year limit for the sake of uniformity across the nation, Albanese stated.
Legislation to implement this age requirement will be presented to Parliament within two weeks, with the policy slated to take effect one year after its approval, allowing social media companies adequate time to adapt their platforms accordingly. Currently, the government has not articulated a specific technical solution concerning the age verification process.
The pause in implementation aims to provide room for discussions addressing privacy concerns linked to age identification. The primary opposition party has signaled support for the 16-year prohibition since its announcement, suggesting favorable prospects for the legislation in the Senate.
The smaller Greens party raised objections, arguing that the measure might stifle the emergence of future environmental advocates in Australia, similar to Greta Thunberg from Sweden. Last month, over 140 scholars specializing in technology and child welfare co-signed an open letter to Albanese, expressing their belief that a social media age limit is “too blunt” and ineffective in managing the associated risks.
Critics highlight that many teenagers possess the technological skills to circumvent such restrictions. Others are concerned that the ban could trigger family disputes and drive social media issues underground. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, argues that enhancing parental control tools in app stores and operating systems would be a more straightforward and efficient remedy.
The government draws parallels between the proposed age limit and liquor laws forbidding sales to individuals under 18 throughout Australia. Even though minors may find ways to consume alcohol, the ban is still enforced. “We believe that these new regulations will lead to a meaningful positive change,” Albanese commented.
However, Lisa Given, a professor of information sciences at RMIT University, characterized the legislation as “troublesome.” She noted, “Many of our social media platforms facilitate the dissemination of vital information to children.”
While acknowledging that children face issues such as bullying online, Given stressed that they need social support to navigate these platforms safely. “They require more assistance from parents and caregivers, not less access to various platforms,” she added.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland assured that children would still have access to digital education resources and health services. The legislation is also set to incorporate robust privacy protections surrounding age verification.
“Privacy must be a priority, especially for children,” Rowland stated. “It’s essential to recognize that these platforms possess detailed knowledge about their users that no one else does.” She also mentioned that YouTube would likely be included among the mainstream platforms classified as age-restricted, while YouTube Kids might be exempt. Additionally, gaming and messaging apps would not be subject to age limitations, she explained.
“This legislation aims to strike a balance between reducing the potential harms faced by youths during a critical developmental phase while also allowing access to essential benefits,” Rowland concluded.