By Uzair Adam
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday a proposed law that would bar children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Joined by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Albanese pledged to implement a 16-year minimum age restriction, citing the need to curb social media’s potential harm to young users.
The proposed legislation aims to place the burden of enforcement on social media companies, holding them accountable if they fail to restrict minors’ access.
However, it would not impose penalties on children or their parents if they manage to circumvent the rules.
“This is a significant concern, as we are well aware of the social harm that these platforms can cause. It’s time to step in and protect our kids,” Albanese said at a press briefing in Canberra.
The law, expected to take effect a year after parliamentary approval, would be enforced by the government’s Safety Commissioner.
Albanese added that while some exemptions might be considered, the intent is to ensure that the legislation achieves its protective goals.
The proposal will be discussed with state leaders at a meeting on Friday.
The federal budget for 2024-25 has also allocated funds for a trial of age-verification technology to determine the most effective means of enforcing the limit.
The opposition Coalition, which proposed a similar age restriction earlier in the year, has indicated its support for the measure, giving Albanese’s Labor Party the votes needed to pass it through parliament.