Recent political developments in Australia have sent shockwaves around the world. The Australian parliament has passed a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from accessing social media, a world first that is holding tech giants accountable.
The law, approved by the Senate on the last day of Parliament this year, seeks to force tech companies to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from accessing social media services, or face fines of up to nearly AU$50 million.
The draconian measure heralds a sea change in the fight against child online abuse, an issue that has plagued many countries without holding companies accountable for violating the national ban. Platforms affected by the ban are said to include Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and potentially more.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed the need to protect young people from the dangers of social media, describing the platforms as breeding grounds for bullying, negative influence, anxiety, scams and, worse, online predators. By setting the age limit at 16, he argues that children of this age are better equipped to spot fakes and the dangers surrounding them.
The move has been applauded by many international leaders, acknowledging the relevance of such a move in a world where social media can be a double-edged sword.
However, despite the majority support of the opposition party, there have been critics of the law, highlighting its hasty nature and the potential risks of its implementation. Some opponents, such as Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, have denounced a simplistic approach that risks reinforcing the isolation of young people while avoiding addressing the real social responsibility issues of online platforms.
Tech companies, meanwhile, have raised questions about the feasibility and implications of the law, citing privacy concerns and possible circumvention by children.
Despite these reservations, a poll conducted this month indicated that 77% of Australians supported a ban for under-16s, reflecting a real concern in society about children’s online safety.
Now that the law has been passed, consultations are planned before a cut-off date for children under 16 is set. Parents and children will not be penalized for violating this ban, but companies will have to prove that they have taken adequate measures to prevent access by minors.
Ultimately, this Australian decision marks a turning point in the regulation of social networks and raises crucial questions about the responsibility of technology companies in protecting young people online. This is a major challenge for the industry and for public authorities, called upon to find a balance between freedom of expression and protection of the most vulnerable in cyberspace.