Albanese Government Plans Social Media Age Limits

The Albanese government is set to introduce new legislation to impose age restrictions on social media use for children, primarily in response to rising concerns over online bullying, doxxing, and deepfake pornography. An age-verification trial for kids aged 14 to 16 is currently underway, with the government aiming to finalize the age limit before the next election. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for social media platforms to take responsibility for protecting young users, suggesting a model that requires parental consent for access. The South Australian government has proposed a ban for children under 14, which may shape federal legislation. As part of the initiative, the federal government is collaborating with states and territories and is expected to consult tech companies during the trial phase. The overarching goal is to safeguard the mental and physical health of children in an increasingly digital landscape.