Australia Considers Raising Social Media Age to 16: Tech Giants and Critics React

Australia Proposes Minimum Age of 16 for Social Media Use

The Australian government has unveiled new legislation aimed at setting a minimum age of 16 for social media use, in a bid to protect children from online harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposal, which is set to be introduced in Parliament this November and take effect 12 months after passing.

Under the proposed law, social media platforms will bear the responsibility for enforcing the age limit, rather than parents or children. This move is part of a broader global effort to regulate young people’s use of technology.

Reactions from major tech companies have been mixed. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, expressed willingness to comply but called for wider discussions on protections. TikTok declined to comment, while X (formerly Twitter) did not respond to inquiries.

The proposal has faced criticism from various quarters. The Digital Industry Group Inc. labeled the age limit as outdated, while over 140 academics opposed the measure, arguing it is too simplistic. Concerns have been raised about the potential for driving social media use underground and hindering access to mental health support for young people.

Child psychologist Philip Tam suggested a lower minimum age might be more practical, highlighting concerns about the impact on family dynamics and potential pressures.

To guide platforms in implementing the age restrictions, the government is trialing age-verification technologies. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the importance of practical implementation and warned of penalties for non-compliance.

The main opposition party has expressed support for the age limit in principle. Opposition lawmaker Paul Fletcher argued that platforms possess the necessary technology to enforce the age limit and stressed the importance of well-drafted legislation to achieve desired outcomes.

As the debate continues, the proposed legislation represents a significant step in Australia’s approach to regulating social media use among young people, with potential implications for global tech policy.