Australia's center-left government has proposed a bill to ban social media access for children under 16, seeking to implement one of the strictest regulations globally. The legislation includes fines up to AUD 50 million (USD 32 million) for platforms failing to enforce the ban and mandates an age-verification system potentially utilizing biometric data. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for the reform to protect children from harmful content, while Communications Minister Michelle Rowland clarified that messaging apps and online games would be exempt. Despite broad political support, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of enforcement and potential social isolation for teens. The bill represents a significant shift in addressing online safety, reflecting growing worries over the mental health impacts of social media on youth. Overall, the initiative aims to redefine the role of social media in young Australians' lives while ensuring robust privacy protections for users.