Australia’s House of Representatives just passed a bill to ban social media for users under 16, sparking a global debate on youth safety vs. digital freedom. The bill, which cleared the lower house 102-13, could impose fines up to A$49.5M ($32M) on platforms like TikTok and Meta for failing age-checks. 🔒
Tech Backlash & Youth Voices
Tech giants aren’t happy. Google and Meta urged delays until 2025, when Australia’s age-verification trial (using biometrics or IDs) wraps up. Meanwhile, teens like 16-year-old Enie Lam argue: \"A ban won’t work—we need support, not restrictions.\" Youth advocates warn it silences kids’ voices, while parents cheer for safer screens. 🗣️👨👩👧👦
What’s Next?
The Senate debates the bill next, with a tight deadline—parliament’s year ends Thursday. A YouGov poll shows 77% of Aussies support the ban, up from 61% in August. But critics say it’s a sticky fix: \"Big companies need to step up,\" says parent advocate Jenny Branch-Allen. Stay tuned! ⏳🇦🇺
