Sydney: TikTok expressed “disappointment” on Friday over new Australian legislation that bans children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms.

The government had ignored expert advice, a company spokesperson said, adding: "It's entirely likely the ban could see young people pushed to darker corners of the internet where no community guidelines, safety tools, or protections exist."

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded by defending the new law, acknowledging that its implementation might face challenges, similar to alcohol restrictions. However, he stressed that the ban is "the right thing to do" to protect children.

Albanese added that social media platforms have a "social responsibility" to prioritize the safety of young users. "We've got your back, is our message to Australian parents," he said.

Heavy penalties for non-compliance

The legislation includes tough penalties for companies that fail to comply, with fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 32.5 million). Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and other tech firms have signaled their willingness to work with the Australian government to ensure the law is properly enforced in the next 12 months. Despite concerns over its potential flaws, they hope to help shape its implementation.

Experts have raised concerns that the law, as written, may be difficult to enforce, as it lacks specific guidelines on how the rules will be applied. There are also exemptions in the legislation, which could allow certain platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube to continue operating for educational or recreational purposes for teens. These loopholes have sparked fears that the law might be more symbolic than practical.

Global push for teen social media restrictions

Australia is not the only country considering social media restrictions for younger users. Lawmakers from Spain to Florida have proposed similar measures, although none have been fully implemented yet. In China, strict regulations have been in place since 2021, limiting under-14s to just 40 minutes per day on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Additionally, China has also imposed limits on online gaming for minors.

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