Prohibition on Requiring Passport or Driver's License Submission from SNS Users
Australia has become the first country in the world to pass a law restricting the use of social networking services (SNS) by minors. This move is expected to spark the spread of 'SNS age restriction' legislation in the international community, starting with Australia.
On the 28th (local time), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others, the Australian Senate passed a bill banning SNS use by youths under 16 years old with a vote of 34 to 19. The bill, which had passed the House of Representatives the day before, was sent to the Senate with added provisions to strengthen the protection of SNS users' personal information. Although one more approval from the House is required, foreign media assess that only a formal procedure remains, as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is strongly pushing the bill.
The bill is scheduled to take effect 12 months after enactment. Companies operating SNS platforms must prepare technical measures to block SNS access for minor users during the grace period. However, they cannot force users to submit government-issued identification such as passports or driver's licenses. Companies violating the law face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 46 billion KRW). However, parents and youths will not be fined even if they violate the law.
Australia's legislation on SNS age restrictions has received overwhelming support from both the political sphere and public opinion since the early stages of discussion. In April, a 16-year-old boy affiliated with an extremist group active on SNS carried out a knife attack at a church in Sydney, among other incidents of SNS addiction and violence involving Australian youths, which helped form a national consensus on SNS age restrictions. A YouGov poll conducted this month showed that 77% of Australians support banning SNS use for those under 16.
In September, Prime Minister Albanese declared the implementation of SNS age restrictions, saying, "I want to see children get off their devices and go out to play on soccer fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, and so on." Earlier this month in parliament, he urged bipartisan cooperation, stating, "SNS is harming our children, and I will put an end to it."
SNS platform companies immediately criticized the move. A Meta Platforms spokesperson, owner of Facebook and Instagram, expressed respect for the Australian law but pointed out that "the legislation was rushed without adequately considering the efforts the SNS industry has made to ensure age-appropriate experiences and the voices of young people." Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, also stated it would take the necessary technical measures but added, "There are still many unresolved questions about how this law will actually be implemented."
Attention is also focused on whether the wave of SNS age restrictions will spread internationally, starting with Australia. Bloomberg noted, "Australia's ban poses a threat that could overturn the business models of SNS companies," and "it could also prompt other governments to take action." Currently, in Florida, USA, a bill is pending that would ban SNS use for children under 14 and require parental consent for children aged 14 to 15. Additionally, France and the United Kingdom are reportedly considering strengthening SNS age restrictions.
However, in the United States, it is expected to be difficult to fully implement SNS age restrictions. Janet Nesheiwat, nominated as Surgeon General responsible for public health by President-elect Donald Trump, has expressed concerns about youth SNS use and supports Florida's legislative efforts, but it is highly likely to be blocked by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and the 'First Buddy.' Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), previously criticized Australia's SNS age restriction legislation, saying it "looks like a backdoor method for the government to control internet access for all Australians."
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