Australia's Proposed Social Media Age Ban Faces Backlash Over Rushed Process

The bill, aimed at barring under-16s from social media, has drawn criticism from tech companies, advocacy groups, and experts for its lack of consultation and potential unintended consequences.

The Australian government plans to pass a bill this week banning children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, with fines of up to $50 million for non-compliance by tech companies.
Critics, including Google, Meta, and Elon Musk's X, argue the legislation is being rushed without sufficient consultation and before the completion of a government trial on age-assurance technology, set to conclude in mid-2025.
Advocacy groups and experts warn the ban could harm young people by limiting access to mental health resources and pushing them toward less regulated online spaces.
The Greens and some independent senators have criticized the process, calling it reckless and proposing alternative measures like a 'digital duty of care' to improve platform safety without an outright age ban.
With bipartisan support expected from the Coalition, the bill is likely to pass, but its implementation would be delayed by 12 months to allow social media companies time to comply with the new regulations.