There is often debate about the age at which children can be active on social media platforms. Taking care of children’s online safety is also a huge challenge for parents. However, now Australia has taken a big step forward on this issue. According to the Associated Press, Australia’s House of Representatives passed a bill banning children under 16 from using social media. The Senate will now decide to turn the bill into law. If the law is implemented, Australia would be the first country to do so.
Platforms may be subject to huge fines
All major political parties in Australia’s House of Representatives support the bill. The bill also imposes hefty fines for failing to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. Platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
The company has 1 year
After this social media-related bill was submitted to the Australian House of Representatives, it was passed with 102 votes in favor and 13 votes against. If the bill becomes law this week following a Senate decision, social media platforms will have a year to figure out how to implement age restrictions. Thereafter, they will be fined.
Also preparing to ban pornographic content
Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland recently said that 95% of Australian parents believe online safety is one of the biggest challenges in raising children. Australia is also developing measures to prevent children under 18 from accessing pornographic material on the Internet.
What did Elon Musk say?
X owner Elon Musk has questioned the bill, PTI reported. “(This bill) appears to be a behind-the-scenes attempt by Australians to control access to the internet,” he said in a post.
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