Australian Senate Passes World's Toughest Social Media Restrictions for Under 16.

In a groundbreaking move, Australia has made history by becoming the first nation on earth to enact a law prohibiting children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, establishing the strictest regulations on online usage globally.

The Senate passed the bill late Thursday, setting the stage for final revisions to be approved in the House of Representatives, where the Albanese government has a majority. The legislation is anticipated to be enacted within the next 12 months. Social media companies that do not adhere to the new rules could incur penalties of up to A$50 million (approximately $32.5 million or £25.7 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stood by the recent legislative initiative, highlighting the importance of safeguarding young Australians from the dangers associated with social media. "This is a global issue, and our goal is to ensure that young Australians can enjoy their childhood. We also want to provide parents with peace of mind," he stated while presenting the bill last week.

The proposed legislation will establish the strictest age restrictions for social media usage globally, with no allowances for current users or parental approval. However, gaming and messaging platforms, as well as sites that do not require an account for access, like YouTube, will be exempt from these regulations.

Government critics have expressed apprehension regarding the strategy for implementing the ban. The legislation did not specify crucial details, such as which platforms will be affected, leaving those decisions to be made later by Australia’s communications minister in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner.

The government suggested the use of age-verification technology, which may involve biometrics or identity documents. However, digital researchers raised these methods and highlighted potential privacy concerns. Additionally, critics noted that such restrictions could be easily bypassed with tools like VPNs, which can mask users' locations.

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