The Australian government yesterday introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which will require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

It sets out a definition of “age-restricted social media platforms”, which will include Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X, amongst others — but excluding messaging apps and online gaming platforms.

Fines of up to $49.5 million AUD (around €31m or £26m) will be imposed on digital platforms for systemic breaches of the legislation.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said: “We know social media is doing social harm. We want Australian children to have a childhood, and we want parents to know the government is in their corner.

“This is a landmark reform. We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”

Communications minister Michelle Rowland added: “The Albanese government is continuing to act on its commitment to keep children safe online.

“This legislation will go a long way to providing that support and creating a new normal in the community around what age is okay to use social media.

“Platforms have a responsibility to provide safe products and look after the mental health of young Australians.

“We need to create a strong incentive for compliance and increasing the maximum penalties for online safety breaches to up to $49.5 million brings our penalty framework into line with other laws. 

“Keeping children safe — wherever they are — is a collective responsibility, and the Albanese Government is stepping up to play our role.

“I want to thank our state and territory colleagues and everyone who has made a contribution to bring this important bill to life.”