In a landmark decision, Australia is preparing to impose a social media ban on users under 16, a policy aimed at limiting young people’s exposure to online risks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that the legislation, designed to protect the mental health and well-being of children, is set to become one of the strictest in the world and could come into effect by the end of next year.

“Social media is harming our children, and it takes time,” Albanese noted at a news conference, highlighting concerns about social media’s impact on teenagers, particularly pressures on girls’ body image and harmful, often misogynistic, content. . intended for boys.

The legislation would impose an age limit on major platforms, with no exemption for parental consent, making Australia’s policy one of the strictest internationally. Social media companies including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube will be required to use advanced age verification methods such as biometrics or government IDs, an approach that has yet to be tested on this scale of any country. The proposed law would hold platforms solely responsible for blocking minor users.

The move has garnered praise across sectors, including Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who posted on X saying, “Great move.”

Australia’s parliament will review the bill later this year, and if passed, it will come into force within a year. With bipartisan support from the opposition Liberal Party, the law appears to clear legislative hurdles, strengthening Australia’s position on digital safety for minors.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, describing the policy as “truly world-leading”, noted the law would cover the biggest social platforms, requiring them to adapt to Australia’s new standards. This policy follows global trends in social media restrictions for young people, such as France’s 15-year-old parental consent age limit and the US regulation requiring parental permission for children under 13.