Tech giants push back against Australia’s social media ban for children
The proposed stringent social media laws for children spark debate over privacy and freedom.

Google and Meta are urging the Australian government to delay a proposed law that would prohibit social media use for children under 16, citing insufficient time to evaluate its potential effects. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the bill, which includes some of the strictest child social media controls globally, before the parliamentary year ends on Thursday. However, critics argue the rushed timeline undermines thorough debate and expert input.
The bill mandates social media platforms, not parents or children, to implement age-verification systems, potentially involving biometrics or government IDs. Platforms failing to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32 million). While the Liberal opposition is likely to support the legislation, some independents and tech companies like TikTok and Elon Musk’s X have raised concerns about its clarity and impact on human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
Tech companies argue the government should wait for the results of an age-verification trial before proceeding. TikTok called the bill rushed and poorly consulted, while Meta described it as “inconsistent and ineffective.” Meanwhile, Elon Musk criticised the bill as a potential tool for broader internet control, amplifying debates over balancing child safety with digital freedoms.
As a Senate committee prepares a report on the legislation, the controversy underscores the global challenge of regulating children’s online activity without infringing on broader rights.