Australia is at the forefront of tackling online harms by pushing for stricter regulations on social media platforms. Two significant policies are under consideration: the potential ban on teenagers accessing social media and the introduction of a “duty of care” for tech companies to protect users from harmful content.
Teen Social Media Ban: A First of Its Kind
Australia is contemplating an outright ban on teenagers using social media—a move no other country has successfully implemented. Governments in France, the UK, and parts of the US have tried to impose age restrictions, but enforcement hurdles and opposition have made these attempts mostly ineffective (Reset Tech Australia/BowerGroupAsia). For example, France passed a law in 2023 requiring social media companies to block access to children under 15 unless approved by their guardians, but a year later, enforcement is still an issue due to technical barriers (Information Age). Similarly, US states have tried various approaches, but free speech concerns and difficulties with age verification have limited their success (Lowy Institute).
Critics argue that while the intent behind the ban is to protect teen mental health, the ban might fail to address the root issue: unsafe online platforms. If teens manage to bypass the ban, they could still be exposed to harmful content. Furthermore, enforcement would be complex and might shift the burden to parents, who may need to grant permission for social media use, instead of holding platforms accountable for user safety (Lowy Institute/Information Age).
A Duty of Care for Big Tech
In addition to the proposed social media ban, Australia is exploring a “duty of care” policy. This would legally require tech companies to proactively prevent harm rather than waiting for users to report individual harmful content. Platforms like Meta and X would need to ensure their systems are designed to protect users from online dangers such as hate speech, cyberbullying, and misinformation (BowerGroupAsia/Lowy Institute). The idea mirrors the Digital Safety Act implemented in the EU, which mandates that platforms take responsibility for user safety through fines that can total up to 6% of a company’s global revenue (Information Age).
If this duty of care is introduced, Australian authorities could impose serious financial penalties on companies that fail to comply, pushing them to take online safety more seriously. This proactive approach, rather than a reactive one, would mean that platforms must build safety into their design and operation from the start.
The Takeaway
For everyday Australians, these proposed policies mark a significant shift towards a more regulated digital space. If implemented, users—particularly teens—could see safer online environments with less exposure to harmful content. However, practical challenges around enforcement remain, particularly in preventing teens from bypassing bans and ensuring tech companies take responsibility.
As these changes evolve, it’s essential for individuals and families to stay informed about how these regulations will affect their digital experiences. Parents, in particular, may need to understand how these laws impact their children’s online access and what protections are in place.
How Mobile Computer Geeks Can Help
As Australia moves toward tighter online regulations, Mobile Computer Geeks can assist in ensuring your family or business adapts to these changes smoothly. Whether it’s setting up parental controls, enhancing cybersecurity, or educating users on safer browsing habits, we’re here to guide you through this evolving digital landscape. Our team can help you protect your digital life with practical solutions tailored to these new regulations, ensuring your online safety and privacy.
