Social Media Banned in Australia for Kids Below 16, Should India Consider?

Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from using social media, with a landmark law that places strict regulations on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram. The legislation, passed in the Senate on Thursday with a vote of 34 to 19, imposes stringent compliance requirements on social media companies, including the prevention of account creation for users under the age of 16.

Hefty Penalties for Non-Compliance

The law enforces a hefty fine of USD 33 million for platforms that fail to adhere to the new regulations. The legislation had already been approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority of 102 votes to 13.

While the House still needs to formally approve opposition amendments made in the Senate, this is expected to be a formality, as the government has signaled its agreement to these changes.

Sending a Strong Message

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act."

Should India Consider?

India, with one of the largest populations of social media users globally, faces growing concerns over children's online safety, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. While outright banning underage access might be challenging in a diverse and populous country like India, implementing stricter parental controls, age verification systems, and educational campaigns could be a step forward. India's robust tech infrastructure and legal frameworks can adapt global practices, such as Australia's, to protect young users while balancing the rights and responsibilities of platforms and parents.

Global Context

Australia's move follows in the footsteps of France, which last year introduced a law requiring parental consent for social media users under 15. France is now advocating for similar regulations across the European Union, signaling a growing global push for tighter controls on children's social media use.

Implications and Reactions

This groundbreaking legislation has sparked global interest, with advocates praising the measure for prioritizing children's safety online. Critics, however, have raised concerns about enforcement challenges and potential privacy implications. As Australia leads the way with this bold initiative, it remains to be seen how other nations will respond to the growing call for stricter social media regulations.

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