Australia has made history by passing a world-first law that effectively bans children under the age of 16 from using social media.
The landmark decision comes in response to growing concerns about the adverse effects social media has on the mental health and well-being of young people, including rising incidents of cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content.
The legislation, which was approved by Parliament earlier this week, mandates social media platforms to enforce stricter age verification systems.
These new regulations will ensure that individuals under 16 years old will be unable to create accounts or access platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Social media companies now have until early 2025 to implement the necessary changes, giving them time to adapt to the new rules.
Under the new law, platforms will be given a one-year grace period to comply with the age verification requirements.
Starting in 2025, social media companies will be legally required to deploy systems capable of detecting and blocking users under 16. If they fail to meet these regulations, they will face hefty fines, with penalties potentially reaching up to $50 million AUD for repeated violations.
The law has placed significant pressure on social media companies, which will need to develop and integrate advanced age verification technologies to comply.
US universities urge Indian students to return before Trump takes office
Some platforms have already begun exploring digital identification systems and facial recognition technologies to better authenticate users' ages.
However, the widespread use of such technologies has raised privacy and data security concerns.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the new law as a crucial step in safeguarding the country’s youth. He emphasised that the legislation aims to protect the mental and emotional health of children in the digital age.
The decision comes after extensive research by Australian health experts, who have long warned about the dangers posed by social media for young people.
Studies have shown a strong link between excessive social media use and a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
China sentences journalist to 7yrs for espionage
A 2023 report by the Australian Psychological Society revealed that nearly 40 per cent of teenagers reported feelings of anxiety or depression linked to their online experiences.
Cyberbullying and the pressures of social comparison have been identified as major contributing factors to these challenges.
By implementing this groundbreaking law, Australia has set a precedent for the rest of the world, challenging other nations to consider the long-term impact of social media on the younger generation and the steps necessary to mitigate those effects.
Source: With inputs from wirers