The countdown is on for Australia’s upcoming social media regulations aimed at protecting children under the age of 16, a move that has garnered significant attention and preparation from regulators, parents, educators, and technology companies alike. Starting December 10, 2025, all social media platforms will be required to implement reasonable measures to prevent underage users from accessing their services and to ensure an accessible complaint process for users. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to AUD $50 million.
In line with these changes, tech giant Meta, which operates platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, plans to introduce artificial intelligence supervision tools for parents by early 2026. These tools will allow parents to deactivate their children’s access to one-on-one chats with AI bots, set interaction time limits, and monitor conversation topics.
Education Minister Jason Clare has voiced concerns that AI chatbots exacerbate bullying issues among young users. In response, Meta has opted to guide its AI experiences for teens using a PG-13 movie rating system, thereby preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content. It has also indicated plans to implement similar restrictions on Instagram, ensuring a safer environment for users aged 13 to 17.
The recent Australian approach has broader implications, resonating with ongoing discussions about children’s online safety worldwide. For instance, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, has expressed interest in adopting similar regulatory measures, highlighting a collective awareness among governments to mitigate the risks social media poses to children. His comments underline a collaborative effort to foster a safer digital space for youth, where parental involvement remains crucial.
This growing recognition of potential online harm reflects a larger trend among countries considering legislation designed to safeguard children. The proactive measures resulting from Australia’s new law signal a significant shift in how nations are addressing digital safety, and it is hopeful that similar initiatives will emerge globally, contributing to a healthier online environment for future generations.
Leave a comment