Australia Moves Toward Banning Social Media for Children Under 16

The proposed law, driven by concerns over online safety, faces criticism over privacy risks and implementation challenges.

Australia's House of Representatives has approved a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms, with the Senate expected to finalize the legislation soon.
The law would require platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to implement 'age assurance methods,' potentially involving government ID or facial scans, to verify users' ages.
Advocates, including a father whose son died by suicide after falling victim to sextortion, argue the ban is essential for protecting children from online predators and exploitation.
Critics, including some lawmakers and digital rights groups, warn the ban could lead to privacy violations, push children to unsafe online spaces, and reduce parental control over their children's internet use.
The bill has sparked debate over its practicality, with tech companies and experts raising concerns about its compatibility with international rights laws and the effectiveness of current age verification technologies.