Updated:2024-12-13 03:28    Views:59

Australia passes law to ban social media for children below the age of 16. Australia passes law to ban social media for children below the age of 16.

The Australian Parliament on Friday passed world's first law to ban social media for children under the age of 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law supported parents who were concerned by online harms to their children.galactic wins

The law prevents social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram to hold accounts of children under 16 and if found guilty for systemic failures, they will be liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (4,225 crores INR).

Since the bill was proposed, several social welfare organizations, including UNICEF Australia, have criticized it for the potential risks it may pose to the younger generation. UNICEF issued a statement on November 7 expressing concern over the bill's impact.

The Senate passed the bill on Thursday 34 votes to 19. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the legislation by 102 votes to 13. The House on Friday endorsed opposition amendments made in the Senate, making the bill law.

The platforms have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties are enforced.

ALSO READ | Australian Senate Passes Social Media Ban For Young Children, Soon To Be World's First Such Law

Criticism Against The Law

UNICEF

UNICEF Australia issued a notice where they welcomed the intention of the law to protect young people behind the proposed social media restrictions however, they also pointed out that banning young people from social media alone might not fix the underlying problems of online harms.

Katie Maskiell, Head of Policy and Advocacy, UNICEF Australia penned the statement where she stated, "We want to see comprehensive digital literacy programs that empower children, parents, and educators to navigate the digital world safely. We believe that education and awareness are key to reducing risks and making a safer online environment for young people. It is essential to create an inclusive digital landscape where children can learn, connect, and thrive responsibly."

She explained that it is known by the majority of people how easily children face risks online, be it from bullying, contact with strangers or exposure to harmful content, she said, "it is crucial to recognise that simply banning social media access does not address the root causes of online harm."

Maskiell added that, “While banning younger teens from social media might seem like a simple fix, it may actually introduce more risks. Young people are really good at being online - if they want to use social media they will likely find a way."

“They may seek out covert and unregulated online spaces, or end up using social media without their parents being aware of it. Something we know about online risks is that maintaining open communication between parent and child is vitally important to protect children from online risks they face," she added.

Legislators

Sen. David Shoebridge, from the minority Greens party, said mental health experts agreed that the ban could dangerously isolate many children who used social media to find support.

“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off,” Shoebridge told the Senate, reported AP.

Opposition Sen. Maria Kovacic said the bill was not radical but necessary.

“The core focus of this legislation is simple: It demands that social media companies take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users from their platforms,” Kovacic told the Senate.

“This is a responsibility these companies should have been fulfilling long ago, but for too long they have shirked these responsibilities in favour of profit,” she added.

Public

Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, the governing body for the suicide prevention sector, said the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection.

“The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste,” Stone reportedly said.

Other criticisms include that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, is ineffective, poses privacy risks for all users, and undermines the authority of parents to make decisions for their children.

Some critics have also argued that the ban would isolate children, deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, drive them to the dark web, discourage children too young for social media to report harm, and reduce incentives for platforms to improve online safety.

ALSO READ | Australia Passes Bill To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16

Positive Reaction From Public

Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a “monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online.”

“It's too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, but let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together,” she told AP.

Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, had advocated for the age restriction and took pride in its passage.

“I have always been a proud Australian, but for me subsequent to today's Senate decision, I am bursting with pride,” Holdsworth added.

(With AP inputs)galactic wins

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