Children under 16 will be virtually excluded from accessing social media, and federal parliament is set to enact the world’s first legislation.
The Senate is expected to pass legislation Thursday that would ban young people from platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with bipartisan support.
However, there have been concerns that the proposal has been rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny, given that Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban.
The ban would come into effect a year after the laws are passed by parliament, and the federal government is still carrying out trials of age verification technology.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would help children stay safe online.
“We know that parents are concerned about harm to children and we have made the decision to support them,” he told parliament.
“Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanian government is delivering exactly that.”
The ban came under fire after an inquiry into the laws lasted only three hours, only one day was given to present their proposals, and young people themselves were not consulted.
Minister Michelle Rowland defended the laws and said the government was supporting parents.
Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Christopher Stone said the laws had been rushed and would not address the issue of online harms.
“The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation,” he said.
‘You have overlooked the rigorous consultation and scrutiny necessary for such a wide-ranging decision.
‘Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not hastily made decisions.
“This legislation fails to take into account the positive aspects of social media to support young people’s mental health and sense of connection.”
While the bill has had bipartisan support, several coalition members have broken ranks over these issues.
Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor to vote against the ban in the House of Representatives, while coalition senator Matt Canavan also criticized the laws.