Australia passes law banning children under 16 from using social networks

Australian lawmakers have passed one of the world's toughest measures, banning children under 16 from using social media.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he wants young Australians to "get off their phones and go to the football pitch, cricket pitch, tennis and netball courts, swimming pools" - Photo: REUTERS

The Australian Senate passed the bill on November 28 after it was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives the day before, with bipartisan support. For months, the measure has been the subject of intense public debate.

Under the new law, tech companies must take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage users from accessing social media services or face fines of nearly 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million), according to CNN.

On paper, it is one of the strictest bans in the world. But the current law has little detail on how it would be enforced, leading experts to say it is largely symbolic and unenforceable.

It will take at least 12 months before regulators work out the details and the ban comes into effect.

The ban is expected to apply to popular platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X. Some platforms are likely to be exempt, such as WhatsApp and YouTube, which young people may need to use for entertainment, schoolwork, or other reasons.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has enthusiastically backed the ban and urged Australian parents to back the law.

He described social media as “a platform for peer pressure, anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators”. He said he wanted young Australians to “get off their phones and go to the football field, cricket field, tennis and netball court, in the pool”.

However, many teenagers do not like this ban, saying they can find a lot of useful information on social networks. Many may find ways to get around the law. "I will find a way. And so will all my other friends," AFP news agency quoted Angus Lydom, 12, as saying.

Australia's legislation will be watched by other countries, some of which may consider whether to implement similar bans.

Previously, many governments from Spain to the US state of Florida have proposed bans on social networks for teenagers, although no measures have been applied yet.

China has tightened social media access for minors since 2021, with those under 14 not allowed to spend more than 40 minutes a day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Children's online gaming time is also limited in China.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/uc-thong-qua-luat-cam-tre-duoi-16-tuoi-dung-mang-xa-hoi-20241128202649445.htm