The Australian government is advancing its intention to enact legislation limiting social media use to those aged 16 and imposing sanctions on noncompliant web platforms. At a press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the age limit, stating that it is a response to growing worries about the impact of social media on young people, particularly with regard to issues like exposure to hazardous content and body image. Albanese stated that he has heard from thousands of parents who were worried about the safety of their kids online.
The proposed legislation, however, raises questions about enforcement. While the Labor government is committed to imposing the limit, it has not outlined clear mechanisms for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to verify users’ ages. Possible methods include biometric scans or age verification through government databases, though these are subject to privacy and practical concerns. The eSafety commissioner would be responsible for enforcing the law, with updated penalties that surpass the current maximum fines of $1 million.
Australia is also conducting a federally funded trial to explore age-assurance technology options, examining approaches such as facial estimation and credit checks. The results are pending, though the opposition is pressuring the government to pass the bill by November. Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman has called for an expedited timeline, arguing the urgency of the matter despite the ongoing trial.
Tech companies like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have expressed concerns about these requirements. Meta’s safety head, Antigone Davis, stated that current age-assurance technology often demands extensive personal data, such as ID documentation or biometric data, which could lead to privacy risks. Davis suggested that app stores, rather than individual apps, might be better positioned to enforce age checks.