Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: Google, Meta Seek Delay

Tech giants Google and Meta have called on the Australian government to postpone a controversial bill that would ban children under -16 from accessing most social media platforms.

They argue that additional time is needed to evaluate the bill’s implications and await findings from an ongoing age-verification trial.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left government aims to pass the legislation which is among the strictest in the world on children’s social media use by Thursday, the end of the parliamentary year. However, the bill, introduced last week, was only open for public feedback for a single day, leading to criticism over the rushed process.

Under the proposed law, social media companies, not parents or children, would be responsible for enforcing age verification, potentially using biometrics or government-issued IDs. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million (£26 million).

Meta labelled the bill “inconsistent and ineffective,” citing the absence of conclusive results from the trial. Google similarly advocated for a cautious approach to ensure Australians fully understand the legislation’s impact.

Also Read: Australia Introduces Bill for Social Media Ban on Under-16s

TikTok expressed “signifi cant concerns” over the lack of consultation with experts, platforms, mental health organisations, and young people, stressing that thorough drafting is critical for novel policies.

Elon Musk’s X platform warned the bill might infringe children’s human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information. Musk accused the government of leveraging the bill to impose broader internet controls.

Despite these concerns, the opposition Liberal Party has signalled its support for the legislation, while some independent lawmakers have criticised the expedited timeline. A Senate committee report on the bill is expected on Tuesday.

If enacted, the bill would place Australia at the forefront of regulating children’s online activity. However, its rapid progression has sparked fierce debates about privacy, freedom, and the government’s role in the digital realm.