But the Labor government has not spelled out how it expects Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and others to enforce the restriction.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, confirmed the age limit in the latest step of the government's scrutiny on tech platforms, with plans to introduce legislation into parliament this month.
Albanese and the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, have not ruled out the use of biometric scanning for platforms to verify users' ages against a government database, or for all users being subject to age checks, only saying it would be up to tech companies to set their processes.
Social media platforms would need to "demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access" for young people, Albanese said.
There would be no penalties for users who manage to access social media under the age of 16, or their parents, but Rowland said there would be penalties for platforms that did not heed the new laws.
"The eSafety commissioner will have responsibility for enforcement and there needs to be enhanced penalties to ensure compliance," she said, saying penalties below $1m (£510,000) in existing legislation were not enough.
Denne historien er fra November 08, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra November 08, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rise lays bare the risks ahead for Labour
Any lingering hope that the Bank of England might deliver a pre-Christmas interest rate cut next month evaporated yesterday after official data showed inflation jumped to 2.3% in October.
'My way as a manager was taught by Bobby Robson'
George Burley is enjoying Ipswich's revival having reached great heights there more than 20 years ago
Tuchel takes goalkeeping coach Hilario from Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel's backroom staff has been bolstered by the addition of Henrique Hilario, who is ending his 18-year association with Chelsea to become England JS new goalkeeping coach.
Kosovo to take Uefa to Cas after Romania awarded points
Kosovo are preparing an appeal to the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) after Uefa handed them a 3-O defeat for walking off the field during Friday's Nations League tie against Romania in Bucharest, which was eventually abandoned when they elected not to return.
Staying power No relegation break clause in Guardiola's new City contract
Pep Guardiola's new one-year contract with Manchester City does not contain a break clause should the club be relegated from the Premier League if found guilty of financial wrongdoing by an independent commission.
Lopetegui's future to be decided in next two games
Julen Lopetegui is facing two make-or-break games at West Ham, who have used the international break to explore potential replacements.
City's empire faces a set of challenges that will test Guardiola's genius
After signing deal, manager is left with an ageing squad as threat of Premier League punishment looms large
Curry changing his technique to avoid more concussions
England are making changes to Tom Curry's all-action technique to ensure his safety after he returned to the fold for Sunday's clash with Japan following his latest concussion.
Sacking me won't help Wales, insists Gatland in plea for patience
The last rites, if that is what they are, are going to drag on a while longer yet. Warren Gatland has reiterated that he would resign as head coach if it were \"in the best interests of Welsh rugby\", while also making it Very clear that in his opinion it is not.
Bronze takes 65 seconds to fire Chelsea into last eight
Chelsea cruised into the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games to spare at Stamford Bridge.
