Google and Meta urge Australia to delay a bill on social media bans for children

Major tech companies, including Google and Facebook owner Meta, have called on the Australian government to delay a proposed law for most forms of social media for children under 16. The companies argue that more time is needed to evaluate the potential impact of the legislation, which is among the world’s strictest in regulating minors’ use of social media.

The government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to pass the bill before the parliamentary session ends on Thursday. Introduced just last week, the bill was opened for public submissions for only one day, prompting criticism from industry players and independent lawmakers over the rushed process.

Under the proposed law, social media platforms would be required to implement age-verification measures, such as biometrics or government-issued identification, to restrict access to users under 16. Companies failing to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million).

Meta, in its submission, argued that the law’s current form lacks clarity and risks being “inconsistent and ineffective.” The company suggested waiting for the results of an ongoing age-verification trial before proceeding. Google echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for a more informed approach.

TikTok also raised concerns, stating that the bill lacks detailed consultation with stakeholders, including mental health experts, young people, and social media companies. “Legislation must be carefully draughted to achieve its intended goals. This has not been the case with this bill,” the company noted.

Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) criticised the proposed law for potentially infringing on children’s rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Musk recently labelled the legislation as a veiled attempt to control internet access.

Despite the criticism, the bill is expected to gain support from the opposition Liberal Party. However, some independent lawmakers have joined the tech companies in questioning the expedited timeline, arguing that the law requires a more thorough review.

A Senate committee is set to release its findings on the bill, which could shape the next steps in this contentious debate.