Ten major social media platforms operating in Australia are required to implement an age limit from midnight on December 9, facing a fine of up to 49.5 million AUD ($33 million) for non-compliance. This move caused strong debate between technology companies and the free speech protection movement, but received support from many parents and child protection organizations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a proud day, stressing the new law shows the government can intervene to reduce online harm. He said limiting social media is a major change in society and culture, and encouraged children to spend time playing sports, music or reading. Before the ban took effect, many children out of about 1 million people affected posted farewells to the online community.
The new law is the result of many months of debate on the ability to prevent minors from accessing platforms that are closely linked to daily life. The Australian government cited research related to mental health risks, including misinformation, bullying and images that cause damage to the body. Several countries such as Denmark, New Zealand and Malaysia have said they will monitor the Australian model to assess its effectiveness.
Of the 10 platforms that must comply, Elon Musk's X is the last to confirm the implementation of the ban on users under 16. On the page, X said it would automatically stop providing services to people who did not meet age requirements and confirmed that this was an obligation under Australian law. The companies say they will combine age speculation, selfies estimates and authentication using identification documents or bank accounts.
Analysts said that the ban marks a new period of stagnation in the social media industry as user growth slows down and usage time decreases.
Before the ban came into effect, the government said 86% of Australian children aged 8 to 15 used social media. Some teenagers have expressed concerns that the ban could distance them from the online community, especially those who rely on social media to seek spiritual support.
