Australia has announced bold new legislation to prohibit children under 16 from using major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter).

The move, aimed at tackling growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth mental health, could see the country become a global leader in online safety reforms.

The legislation will require tech companies to verify the age of users to prevent underage access. Platforms that fail to comply face penalties of up to AUD 50 million (€30 million). However, the ban does not include messaging apps like WhatsApp or online gaming platforms.

To enforce the rules, companies will need to introduce new age-verification systems, sparking concerns over privacy and how additional data collection could be managed. The government has promised that these measures will be backed by strong privacy protections.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a necessary step to protect young people from the harmful effects of social media, while critics argue it may be difficult to enforce and could restrict access to beneficial online resources.

If passed, the legislation will take effect after a 12-month grace period, giving companies and users time to adjust.

This legislation marks a significant step in global efforts to regulate social media for younger users, as nations grapple with how to balance online safety with personal freedom and privacy. Whether this will set a precedent for other countries remains to be seen.

Do you think we need this in Malta?