Australia has proposed a ban on social media for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the new bill, emphasizing that tech companies will be responsible for enforcing these regulations, facing fines if they fail to do so.
"Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I am calling time on it." - Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister
Albanese clarified that the burden of enforcing the age limit will be on social media platforms, not parents or children. He acknowledged that these laws won't solve the problem instantly, citing alcohol regulations as an example of ongoing challenges.
While the Australian government has consulted with social media companies, specific services covered by the ban have not been officially named. However, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has confirmed that the ban will apply to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has stated that it will comply with any age restrictions imposed by the Australian government. However, Meta's Head of Safety, Antigone Davis, expressed concerns about the lack of detail surrounding implementation:
"What's missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections. Otherwise, we risk making ourselves feel better like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place." - Antigone Davis, Meta's Head of Safety
