Australia has taken an unprecedented step in the international digital sphere by passing a law banning minors under the age of 16 from accessing social media. With this measure, the Oceanic country seeks to alleviate the negative effects that these platforms have on the mental health of adolescents, as well as reduce cyberbullying and other associated risks.
The standard, which has been described as "History» by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is forcing tech giants such as Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter) to implement effective age verification mechanisms to prevent minors from using their services. Failure to comply with this law could lead to fines of up to 30 million euros, becoming one of the strictest regulations in the world.
A pioneering and controversial approach
Approved in both the House of Representatives and the Senate with broad political support, The law will come into force in November 2025, giving tech platforms a year to adapt their systems. This transition period will include pilot tests of technologies such as biometric recognition and verification through government IDs, although the regulations prohibit requiring sensitive documentation such as passports.
Educational platforms such as YouTube, which do not require a login to access content, will be exempt from the ban. However, The law is inflexible with traditional social networks, even invalidating accounts that have already been created by minors before it comes into force.
Reactions to the new legislation
The announcement has sparked an intense debate among politicians, experts and social organizations. The measure is supported by 77% of the population. Some parliamentarians, such as members of the Green Party, believe that the law could isolate vulnerable young people, including LGBTQIA+ teenagers or those in rural areas who rely on social media for support.
Australia's internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, will lead the implementation of the regulations, recommending tools such as third-party verification services to protect user privacy. However, Tech companies including Meta and TikTok have expressed concerns about the logistical and ethical challenges that the law entails. Even Elon Musk, owner of X, called the regulation “a veiled attempt to control access to the internet.”
Million-dollar fines and a strong message
It seems that Australia does not agree with the parental control regulations carried out by some platforms like Facebook or InstagramIn fact, Australian law provides for sanctions for platforms that fail to comply with the new obligations. Fines can amount to 30 million euros, a significant cost that underlines the Australian Government's commitment to the protection of children.
Despite popular support, Some sectors fear that the ban could generate undesirable effects, such as pushing young people towards more dangerous or less regulated platforms. There is also the risk of an increase in the collection of personal data to verify ages, something that worries privacy advocates.
A model for the rest of the world
With this law, Australia is positioning itself as a pioneer in the regulation of social networks, paving the way for other countries to follow. In Europe, France has already adopted similar measures, although less restrictive., while in countries like China and South Korea the limitations are more focused on the time of internet use, especially in video games.
Although there are ways to bypass the age restrictions of these social networks, organizations such as the UN have recommended balanced approaches that ensure safe access to digital environments. Although Some critics believe the Australian law goes too far, others see it as a necessary solution to curb a youth mental health crisis aggravated by the uncontrolled use of these platforms.
The controversial legislation not only seeks to protect minors, but also to send a clear message to technology companies: Security must be an unavoidable priority. As preparations are made for its implementation, the rest of the world is watching closely to see how this legislation will become a key case study in digital regulation.
