Responsibility for enforcement would rest with the social media platforms
The federal government has introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) bill 2024, which seeks to establish a minimum age of 16 for creating social media accounts.
In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation aims to enhance protections for young Australians and reduce risks associated with social media use during formative years.
Under the proposed law, social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and X would be required to implement measures to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts. Responsibility for enforcement would rest with the platforms, with fines of up to $49.5 million for systemic non-compliance.
Albanese stated that the reform aims to give children a safe environment to grow up in while ensuring parents feel supported by the government. Acknowledging that some children might bypass the rules, the Prime Minister said the legislation sends a clear signal to social media companies about the need for responsible practices.
The bill also includes provisions to maintain access for young people to essential online services such as messaging, gaming, and platforms for education and health, including Google Classroom, Headspace, and Kids Helpline. Privacy measures within the legislation require platforms to securely manage and destroy data collected to comply with the age restriction requirements.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said the legislation reflects the government's commitment to improving online safety. She highlighted that increasing penalties for breaches aligns with existing regulatory frameworks and provides stronger incentives for compliance.
The legislation has been developed following consultations with stakeholders, including parents, young people, industry representatives, and state and territory governments. According to Albanese, if passed, the bill will position Australia as one of the first countries to enforce a minimum age for social media accounts, with mechanisms in place to adapt the law as technology evolves. The government described the legislation as a step toward creating safer digital spaces for young Australians while balancing access to beneficial online resources.
