Social media firms slam Australia's under-16 ban

UN charity warns that law could push kids into 'covert and unregulated online spaces'

MELBOURNE - Social media giants on Nov 29 hit out at a landmark Australian law banning them from signing up under-16s, describing it as a rush job littered with many unanswered questions.

The UN children's charity Unicef Australia joined the fray, warning that the law was no "silver bullet" against online harm and could push children into "covert and unregulated" spaces online.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation may not be implemented perfectly - much like existing age restrictions on alcohol - but it was "the right thing to do".

The crackdown on sites such as Facebook, Instagram and X, approved by Parliament late on Nov 28, will lead to "better outcomes and less harm for young Australians", he told reporters.

Platforms have a social responsibility to make children's safety a priority, Mr Albanese said.

"We have got your back is our message to Australian parents."

Social media firms that fail to comply with the law face fines of up to A$50 million (S$43.6 million).

TikTok said on Nov 29 that it was disappointed in the law, accusing the government of ignoring mental health, online safety and youth experts who had opposed the ban.