Australia’s Senate Debates Controversial Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The Australian Senate is currently debating a bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media, following its overwhelming passage through the House of Representatives yesterday, The Associated Press reports.

The legislation, which could become law as early as today – the Parliament’s final session of the year – would impose fines of up to AU$50 million (US$33 million) on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for systemic failures to prevent underage account creation.

While major parties support the ban, ensuring its likely passage, concerns are mounting regarding potential unintended consequences. Senator Jacqui Lambie, an independent, criticized the rushed process, calling the bill “undercooked” and lacking detail. She echoed concerns voiced by other senators about the lack of sufficient time for proper scrutiny.

Opposition Senator Maria Kovacic defended the bill, describing it as a necessary, albeit not radical, step. However, Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens party highlighted the concerns of mental health experts who fear the ban could isolate children who rely on social media for support.

The House of Representatives passed the bill with a significant majority of 102 votes to 13. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland urged the Senate to follow suit, arguing it reflects the public’s wishes. Platforms would have a year to implement the ban before penalties are applied.

However, social media companies have voiced strong opposition, claiming the law is unworkable and requesting a delay until at least June 2024, pending the results of a government-commissioned report on age verification technologies.

Critics, meanwhile, allege the government is prioritizing pre-election optics, aiming to garner votes by appearing to address parental concerns about children’s social media addiction ahead of elections expected within months. Concerns are being raised about the bill’s rushed passage, potential ineffectiveness, privacy implications, and undermining of parental authority. Opponents further argue the ban could drive children to the dark web, hinder reporting of online harm, and disincentivize platforms from improving online safety.