Legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing most social media platforms is advancing in Australia. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced on Thursday that the platforms included in the ban are TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, X—and notably—Snapchat, which is widely used by Australian youth.
There was initial uncertainty regarding Snapchat’s inclusion due to its classification as a messaging platform, similar to WhatsApp, which is exempt from the ban. However, Rowland confirmed that Snapchat will be restricted.
Supporters of the ban argue that platforms like Snapchat have a detrimental influence on children. However, critics fear that, like a proposed Misinformation Bill, it will force all Internet users to submit photographic and possibly biometric identification in order to use social media, paving the way for the implementation of Internet “passports” and the elimination of online anonymity.
Australia’s left-wing Labor government says it is seeking to “create a strong incentive for compliance and increasing the maximum penalties for online safety breaches to up to $49.5 million brings our penalty framework into line with other laws.”
The Australian Human Rights Commission, a statutory body, is objecting to the bill, warning: “Where rights are limited to protect children from online harms, any limitations must be lawful, necessary and proportionate.”
“This means using the least restrictive option available to achieve the intended purpose,” the objection adds.
