An Australian Senate committee has endorsed a bill to ban social media use for children under 16 but has cautioned against requiring users to provide sensitive personal data, such as passports or government IDs, for age verification.
Australia is set to trial an age-verification system, which may include biometrics or government-issued identification, as part of the legislation’s enforcement. If implemented, the measures would represent some of the strictest social media regulations globally.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government is pushing to pass the bill, which has bipartisan support from the opposition Liberal Party, by the end of the parliamentary year this Thursday.
Senate Committee Recommendations
In its report released on Tuesday, the Senate’s Environment and Communications Legislation Committee recommended that social media platforms offer alternative methods for verifying users’ ages as part of their compliance with the proposed law. The committee also urged the government to ensure the ongoing age-verification trial aligns with privacy and practical concerns.
The Communications Minister is required to submit a progress report on the trial by September 30, 2025, according to the committee’s recommendations.
Senator Karen Grogan, the committee chair, emphasized the importance of involving young people in shaping the legislation.
“Young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, must be central to the conversation as age restrictions are implemented. This ensures there are constructive pathways for social connection,” Grogan said.
Criticism Over Rushed Legislation
The government has faced criticism from independent lawmakers and industry stakeholders for attempting to rush the bill through parliament. The legislation was introduced just last Thursday, with public submissions closing the following day and a brief hearing held on Monday.
Tech Giants Push Back
Tech companies, including Google and Meta (Facebook’s parent company), have urged the government to delay implementing the ban until the age-verification trial is completed. TikTok called for further consultation on the bill, while X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, expressed concerns that the legislation could infringe on children’s human rights.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the proposed law, social media platforms would be required to take reasonable steps to ensure age-verification measures are in place. Companies found in systemic breach of these requirements could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million USD).
This legislation, if passed, would set a global precedent, marking a significant shift in how governments regulate children’s access to social media while balancing privacy, security, and freedom of expression concerns.
Australian Senate Backs Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Raises Concerns Over Age Verification Methods
An Australian Senate committee has endorsed a bill to ban social media use for children under 16 but has cautioned against requiring users to provide sensitive personal data, such as passports or government IDs, for age verification.
Australia is set to trial an age-verification system, which may include biometrics or government-issued identification, as part of the legislation’s enforcement. If implemented, the measures would represent some of the strictest social media regulations globally.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government is pushing to pass the bill, which has bipartisan support from the opposition Liberal Party, by the end of the parliamentary year this Thursday.
Senate Committee Recommendations
In its report released on Tuesday, the Senate’s Environment and Communications Legislation Committee recommended that social media platforms offer alternative methods for verifying users’ ages as part of their compliance with the proposed law. The committee also urged the government to ensure the ongoing age-verification trial aligns with privacy and practical concerns.
The Communications Minister is required to submit a progress report on the trial by September 30, 2025, according to the committee’s recommendations.
Senator Karen Grogan, the committee chair, emphasized the importance of involving young people in shaping the legislation.
“Young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, must be central to the conversation as age restrictions are implemented. This ensures there are constructive pathways for social connection,” Grogan said.
Criticism Over Rushed Legislation
The government has faced criticism from independent lawmakers and industry stakeholders for attempting to rush the bill through parliament. The legislation was introduced just last Thursday, with public submissions closing the following day and a brief hearing held on Monday.
Tech Giants Push Back
Tech companies, including Google and Meta (Facebook’s parent company), have urged the government to delay implementing the ban until the age-verification trial is completed. TikTok called for further consultation on the bill, while X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, expressed concerns that the legislation could infringe on children’s human rights.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the proposed law, social media platforms would be required to take reasonable steps to ensure age-verification measures are in place. Companies found in systemic breach of these requirements could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million USD).
This legislation, if passed, would set a global precedent, marking a significant shift in how governments regulate children’s access to social media while balancing privacy, security, and freedom of expression concerns.
