Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, approved late Thursday, has drawn criticism from tech giants, who say the law has been rushed and could have unintended consequences for the digital economy. The law, aimed at protecting minors, imposes fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) on platforms like TikTok, Meta and Snapchat for non-compliance.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law on Friday, saying: “We prioritize the safety of our children. This is a necessary step to address the mental health risks associated with excessive social media use.
However, technology companies and industry groups have raised alarms about its impact on business operations and user behavior. A TikTok spokesperson issued a warning, highlighting that the ban could push young users towards less regulated and potentially unsafe online spaces.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, expressed its frustration, describing the legislative process as “previously limited.” A Meta representative said the hasty nature of this law leaves critical questions unanswered. We need a collaborative approach, not hasty policies.
Despite the criticism, the government has stood firm, with Albanese saying: “We do not claim perfection in implementation, but doing nothing is not an option. Like banning alcohol for minors, it is about sending the right message.”
The law also intensifies scrutiny of Australia’s big tech companies, which have already implemented measures such as forcing social media platforms to pay for news content and tackling online fraud. The implementation trial begins in January, and the full ban will take effect by November 2025.