The Australian Senate is set to debate a proposed ban on social media accounts for children under 16, following overwhelming support from the House of Representatives. The bill, which targets platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, could impose fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for failure to prevent underage access.
With elections looming in the coming months, the bill is expected to pass, backed by major political parties. However, child welfare advocates have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences.
Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie criticized the limited debate time, calling the proposal “undercooked.” She expressed initial support for the idea but noted the lack of detail in the legislation. Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Maria Kovacic emphasized the necessity of the bill, arguing that social media companies have long neglected their responsibility to monitor underage users.
Senator David Shoebridge from the Greens party voiced concerns that the ban could isolate vulnerable children, particularly in regional and LGBTQI communities, who may use social media for support.
The House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote of 102 to 13, prompting Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to urge the Senate to act, framing the legislation as a reflection of community sentiment.
Should the bill become law, social media platforms would have one year to comply before facing penalties. Critics argue that the law is impractical and rushed, potentially undermining parental authority and exposing children to greater risks online. They warn that the legislation could drive young users to unregulated spaces, such as the dark web, and diminish the positive aspects of social media.
As the Senate prepares for its final session of the year, the outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for child safety and social media regulation in Australia.
+ There are no comments
Add yours