Social media companies have voiced strong opposition to a landmark Australian law that bans users under the age of 16 from signing up to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, calling it a rushed piece of legislation with "many unanswered questions."
The new law, which was approved by the Australian Parliament late Thursday, is part of an effort to curb online harm and improve safety for young Australians. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the move, stating that while the law may not be implemented perfectly, much like age restrictions on alcohol, it was the "right thing to do." He added that it would lead to "better outcomes and less harm for young Australians," emphasizing that social media platforms have a responsibility to prioritize children's safety.
"We've got your back, is our message to Australian parents," Albanese told reporters, highlighting the government's commitment to the issue.
However, social media giants are not backing down. TikTok expressed disappointment with the new regulations, claiming the government had disregarded input from mental health and online safety experts who opposed the ban. A TikTok spokesperson warned that the ban could push young users to "darker corners of the internet" where safety tools and community guidelines are absent.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also voiced concerns about the rushed nature of the legislation. While acknowledging the importance of protecting young users, Meta called for further consultation to ensure that the rules would be feasible without unduly burdening parents and teens. The company criticized the process, saying it failed to properly consider existing safety measures and the perspectives of young people.
Snapchat also expressed its concerns, with a spokesperson stating that the company had raised "serious concerns" about the law and its lack of clarity regarding enforcement. Despite these concerns, Snapchat vowed to comply with any applicable laws in Australia and engage with the government to develop a balanced approach.
UNICEF Australia joined the debate, with policy chief Katie Maskiell warning that while protecting children online is crucial, the ban could push young users into unregulated and covert online spaces. "This ban risks pushing children into increasingly covert and unregulated online spaces, as well as preventing them from accessing aspects of the online world essential to their wellbeing," Maskiell said.
One of the key issues raised by critics of the law is privacy, particularly regarding the age verification process. While social media companies maintain that age verification should be the responsibility of app stores, the Australian government believes tech platforms should take on this duty. Exemptions to the law may apply to certain platforms, such as WhatsApp and YouTube, which are widely used by teenagers for schoolwork and recreation.
The legislation has garnered international attention, with other countries now monitoring its implementation. Lawmakers in regions like Spain and Florida have proposed similar measures, though none have been enacted yet. In contrast, China has had restrictions on social media access for minors since 2021, including limiting screen time on platforms like Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
As the law is set to take effect, its impact on both young users and the tech industry will be closely watched, with many questioning whether the measures will be effective or merely symbolic.