Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024

GS1 – SOCIETY

Australia’s House of Representatives has passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024, aiming to protect children under 16 from social media. If approved by the Senate, it will create a legal framework to prevent children from accessing social media platforms.

Key Provisions

• The bill mandates social media platforms to block children under 16 from creating accounts, including major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Age verification technologies will be required, but privacy concerns arise over the collection of personal data.
• Non-compliance could result in fines up to $49.5 million, and the eSafety Commissioner will oversee the implementation.

Implementation and Criticism

• The law will take effect in at least 12 months after consultation and evaluation of suitable age verification methods.
• Critics argue the bill may be rushed and ineffective, as banning social media for children might not be the best approach.

International Context

• The bill positions Australia as a leader in regulating social media access for children, while similar efforts in the U.S. have struggled.
• In India, there are no such legal restrictions, although platforms must comply with regulations against online crimes.