Overview

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns.
• The legislation has bipartisan support and is expected to pass before the end of the year, with enforcement beginning in 2025.
• Social media companies will be responsible for age verification, with potential fines for non-compliance, although specific enforcement methods are still under trial.
• Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, among others, will be affected, but exemptions may be possible for low-risk services.
• The initiative has received mixed reactions, with industry groups advocating for alternative approaches like digital literacy and age-appropriate spaces.