Australia plans a minimum age for social media
Australia plans to set a minimum age for social media use due to concerns about mental and physical health impacts. This proposal has faced criticism from digital rights advocates who warn it may push risky online behavior into less regulated spaces.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government will trial age verification before implementing the new laws, likely setting the minimum age between 14 and 16. Albanese emphasized the goal of encouraging children to engage in physical activities and real-life interactions rather than spending excessive time on social media.
If enacted, this would make Australia one of the first countries to impose such restrictions. Previous efforts, including those by the European Union, have struggled due to objections about limiting minors’ online rights. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, supports empowering young users and providing parental tools rather than enforcing strict age limits. YouTube’s parent company, Alphabet, and TikTok have not yet commented on the proposal.
With about 80% of Australia’s 26 million people active on social media, and a significant portion of teenagers using platforms like YouTube and Instagram, the new plan is part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into social media’s societal effects. However, concerns persist that such restrictions could drive young people to less regulated and potentially harmful online environments.
The eSafety Commissioner and industry groups have cautioned that age limits might inadvertently limit access to vital support and push users toward unsafe corners of the internet. They urge the government to collaborate with experts to refine approaches to online safety.
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