Australian PM Affirms Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16 Ahead Of Election

JAKARTA Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that he is ready to face pressure from the social media giant regarding the ban on the use of their platform by children, ahead of the implementation of the policy in December.

In a televised election debate on Tuesday, April 22, the opposition leader from the Liberal Party, Peter Dutton, also expressed similar support for the policy.

The ban will limit children under the age of 16 to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In addition, leaders are also committed to continuing to implement laws that require social media companies to pay for local news content displayed on their platforms.

"The social media ban that Australia will implement with bipartisan support is at the forefront of the world," Albanese said in a debate broadcast on Nine Network. No doubt, ahead of December, when this rule comes into effect, great pressure will come from a number of social media companies.

The United States government under President Donald Trump has previously raised this issue in the context of trading rate negotiations, representing the interests of US technology companies.

Peter Dutton insists that the Liberal and National coalitions are in line with the Labor Party in this policy.

"National technology companies only see our children as commodities, as an online line of profits," Dutton said. We have worked hard to make these companies responsible, create safer online space, and ensure they treat our children with respect to the law not turn the virtual world into a zoo without law.

In the debate, a panel from Nine Network judged Dutton as the winner.

However, polls show that Dutton is still lagging behind Albanese in intense competition, where the main issue affecting voters is the cost of living and housing issues. Australia's national election is scheduled to take place on May 3, 2025