Australia Considers Age Restrictions on Social Media

The Australian government, led by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, is set to introduce legislation that places the onus on social media companies to ensure age restrictions for users, with a focus on developing age-appropriate versions of their platforms. The proposed age limit for social media access is likely to be between 14 and 16, and there will be no penalties for underage users or their parents. Companies will have a 12-month period to adapt to the new rules, and exemptions may be granted to platforms that can demonstrate a low risk of harm to children. This initiative aims to address concerns over the addictive nature of social media and its impact on youth. Additionally, there are discussions around allowing existing teen users to retain their accounts as grandfathered arrangements while new users face restrictions. Growing opposition to the ban from experts and organizations highlights the complexity of managing youth engagement with social media.