Australia has passed a contentious new law banning children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. This legislation, which passed the Senate on November 28, 2024, is part of broader efforts to increase online safety for minors. While the law is set to come into effect in a year, it has already sparked significant debate. Many lawmakers and stakeholders have raised concerns about its practical implications, particularly around the lack of details on crucial aspects, such as how age verification will be implemented and what personal data will be required for the process.
The law’s passage came at the end of a lengthy sitting in the Senate, where over 30 bills were pushed through. Despite the rush to finalize the legislation, critics, including Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, argued that it represented an attempt by older generations to dictate how young people should interact with the internet. Similarly, Senator Jacqui Lambie voiced concerns that the bill lacked sufficient detail, especially regarding the enforcement mechanisms. These concerns underscore the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the law’s practical application.
In addition to the social media ban, the legislation also includes significant privacy reforms. The Privacy Act Amendment’s Children’s Online Privacy Code was also passed, introducing a statutory tort for serious privacy invasions and expanding the powers of the Australian Information Commissioner. These new regulations are aimed at strengthening privacy protections for children and addressing the increasing concerns over online harms. Carly Kind, the Australian Privacy Commissioner, praised the new powers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing individuals’ control over their personal information.
While the legislation has been met with skepticism from some corners, organizations like the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) have expressed a willingness to collaborate with the government to iron out the details and ensure effective implementation. DIGI’s managing director, Sunita Bose, acknowledged the challenges of passing such sweeping changes rapidly but emphasized the importance of establishing stronger privacy safeguards, particularly for children. As the law moves toward implementation, questions about its real-world impact remain, but the passing of the bill marks a significant step in Australia’s efforts to protect young internet users from the potential risks of social media.
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