On Friday, major tech companies, including TikTok and Meta, expressed strong criticism of Australia’s newly enacted law that bans children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. The law, which was fast-tracked through parliament, has raised concerns about its potential unintended consequences.
TikTok, in a statement to Reuters, described the move as a “rushed” decision that could push young users into darker corners of the internet. The platform argued that rather than improving safety, the ban could create more harm, driving teens to less-regulated online spaces.
“Moving forward, it’s critical that the Australian government works closely with industry to fix issues created by this rushed process,” TikTok’s statement read. “We want to work together to keep teens safe and reduce the unintended consequences of this law for all Australians.”
The law was introduced after a parliamentary inquiry in which parents of children who had self-harmed due to cyberbullying shared their heartbreaking stories. The government had warned tech giants about its plans for several months before the bill was officially announced.
Despite some opposition, the bill gained crucial support from the conservative wing of the Australian parliament, enabling it to pass quickly. The bill was introduced last Thursday, reviewed by a select committee the following day, and passed through parliament as part of a hectic final day, which saw 31 bills rushed through.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, also criticized the law, labeling the process as “predetermined” and claiming that the decision was made without sufficient consultation or consideration of its broader impact.
The Australian government’s swift action highlights growing concerns about the mental health risks associated with social media use among young people. However, tech companies are calling for a more collaborative approach to address these issues without unintended negative consequences.
