Australia's Landmark Social Media Ban for Minors

Legislative Details and Scope

• First global blanket ban on social media for children under 16
• Passed in Australian Parliament with overwhelming support
• 102 votes in favor, 13 against
• Applies to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit
• Excludes YouTube
• Fines up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance
• Implementation timeline:
  • Trial of enforcement methods begins January 2025
  • Full ban takes effect in one year

Political and Public Context

• Supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
• 77% of Australians favor the ban

Motivation includes concerns about:

• • Mental health impacts
  • Negative body image for girls
  • Exposure to misogynistic content
  • Online predation
• Backed by major media outlets, including News Corp
• Part of Albanese's political strategy ahead of 2025 elections

Challenges and International Perspective

• Potential challenges in enforcement
• Privacy concerns about age verification methods

Possible use of:

• • Biometric verification
  • Government identification

Compared to other countries' approaches:

• • EU allows parental consent from 13-16
  • France requires parental consent under 15
  • Florida attempting similar under-14 ban (currently challenged in court)
  • India lacks specific social media age restrictions