Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill aiming to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The legislation, which received broad support with a 102 to 13 vote, now moves to the Senate for final approval.
If the law is enacted, platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€30.4 million) for failing to block underage users. Social media companies would have a year to establish age restrictions before penalties are enforced. Amendments will also ensure platforms cannot demand ID documents like passports or driver’s licenses for verification.
The bill has sparked sharp criticism from independent lawmakers, who argue it was rushed and may fail to address the core harms of social media. MP Zoe Daniel called it “ineffective” and claimed it’s designed to reassure voters rather than solve problems. Others worry it could isolate children or push them to unsafe corners of the internet.
For advocates like Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his teenage son to an online scam, the bill represents a crucial step. “It’s not perfect, but it’s essential,” he said, calling for education to complement the legal changes.
The Senate is expected to approve the bill, but its implementation remains a challenge.
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