Australia to trial social media ban for minors as part of new safety measures

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Australia is preparing to conduct an age verification trial as part of a new initiative aimed at banning minors from accessing social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the plan, citing concerns about the effects of social media on children’s well-being. The proposed ban would extend beyond the existing prohibition on smartphones in public schools to include all devices used by minors, with an age limit expected to be set between 14 and 16 years.

A recent YouGov survey revealed that 61% of Australians support restricting social media access for those under 17. In response, the government has introduced the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024, based on recommendations from former chief justice Robert French. The bill proposes a legal framework to regulate minors’ use of social media.

The Australian government's plan follows similar efforts in other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Critics have pointed out that enforcing such bans in a global digital environment is difficult, as users may bypass restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs) or seek alternative platforms.

The age verification trial will run alongside other regulatory measures, including the Digital ID Bill 2024, which aims to establish a national digital identity system to verify online users' ages. The trial's outcome will guide the government’s next steps in enforcing the social media ban for minors.