Federal government introduces new social media laws to ban under 16s
The Albanese government will introduce tough new laws to ban kids under 16 from social media platforms and companies found breaching the laws face massive fines.
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Tech giants that breach new world-leading social media laws that ban kids under 16 from their platforms will be hit with massive fines of up to $50 million.
The Albanese government will on Thursday introduce tough new legislation that will require platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent vulnerable teens from having an account.
Labor has been under pressure to rule out exemptions from the ban for Snapchat, which argues it is a messaging service not a social media platform, amid concerns it’s used as a vehicle for harmful content including bullying.
Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the reform was about protecting young people and letting parents know we’ve got their backs.
“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians,” Ms Rowland said.
“The legislation places the onus on social media platforms, not parents or children, to ensure protections are in place.
“Ultimately, this is about supporting a safer and healthier online environment for young Australians.”
The highly anticipated bill will increase major penalties for companies that systematically breach the laws, as well as violations of enforceable industry codes and standards, to up to $50m.
The move will address concerns about existing penalties for social media companies, with maximum fines currently less than $1m.
The minister will have the power to exclude specific services, such as messaging and online games, from definition of a social media platform if they support the health and education of users.
The eSafety Commissioner will have responsibility for enforcement, with the federal government guaranteeing it will have the resources necessary to monitor compliance.
The bill will also contain robust privacy provisions that will require platforms to protect and destroy any information collected.
The government’s decision to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, which it wants to pass next week before parliament rises for the year, follows News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids campaign.
Opposition communications spokesman David Coleman said the Coalition would work constructively with the government to ensure its passage.
“It’s the right thing to do and we need to protect Australian kids,” he said
“Social media companies have abrogated their responsibility to Australian kids. They couldn’t care less about the mental health of Australian kids.
“We’re seeing shocking data in terms of mental health, self-harm and other things and we should come together and get this done.”
The laws are due to come into effect at least 12 months after the bill passes to ensure industry, government and the eSafety Commissioner have time to implement the reforms.
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