By Web Desk 
The Australian government recently introduced a landmark bill prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms without strict age verification. Under this proposal, companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok would face fines of up to AUD 50 million (approximately USD 32 million) for non-compliance. This legislation aims to create a safer digital environment for children, focusing on mental health and online safety concerns.
However, major tech firms have raised concerns over the rushed nature of the legislation. Google and Meta are advocating for a delay until trials for age-verification technologies conclude next year. They argue that the technology required to enforce the restrictions is still in development and could lead to unintended consequences, such as driving younger users to less regulated platforms. TikTok has echoed similar sentiments, proposing the creation of child-friendly digital spaces instead of outright bans.
Critics, including independent policymakers, warn that the bill may infringe on children’s rights and set a precedent for broader internet controls. Elon Musk also weighed in, describing the measures as a potential backdoor for comprehensive internet regulation in Australia. Despite these critiques, the bill has gained bipartisan support and is expected to pass by the end of the year.
The proposed measures are part of a global trend toward stricter social media regulations, though their implementation remains a subject of debate. If successful, Australia could pave the way for other nations to adopt similar policies. However, balancing online safety with privacy and innovation continues to pose a significant challenge for regulators.