Australia’s Parliament has passed groundbreaking legislation prohibiting children under 16 from using social media platforms, marking the world’s first law of its kind. The bill, which subjects platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram to fines of up to AU$50 million ($33 million) for noncompliance, aims to curb online harm and enhance child safety.

The legislation, approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 102-13 and in the Senate by 34-19, will take effect in January 2025, giving platforms a year to devise compliance strategies.

The law introduces new privacy safeguards, barring platforms from demanding government-issued IDs or other official identification to verify users’ ages. However, critics fear the policy will infringe on users’ privacy and isolate vulnerable children, including those in rural areas and the LGBTQ+ community, who rely on social media for support.

“This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most,” warned Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens Party, citing mental health concerns.

While the law exempts platforms like YouTube Kids, WhatsApp, and Google Classroom, major tech companies, including Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and Snapchat, have criticized the legislation as rushed and potentially unworkable. Supporters, however, hailed the law as a major step forward.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law as necessary to address parents’ concerns about their children’s exposure to online risks. “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority,” Albanese stated.