Australia moves step closer to world-first social media ban for under-16s

Australia’s lower house of parliament has voted overwhelmingly to pass a landmark bill banning the use of social media by children under 16

The bill passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday targets social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

If they fail to comply with the ban, they could be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32m).

After passing with 103 votes in favor to 13 votes against, the bill will move to the Senate, which is also expected to pass with the support of Australia’s major parties.

Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan said the government had agreed to amendments made in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections for social media users.

One amendment would prohibit platforms from compelling users to submit government-issued identification.

If the ban becomes law, social media companies will have a year to determine how to comply with the order.