**Australia Passes Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amidst Global Debate**

In an unprecedented move, the Australian Parliament has instituted a social media ban for children under the age of 16. The new law, passed on Friday, imposes hefty fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram for failing to prevent young children from creating accounts.

The bill saw strong support in both chambers of Parliament, with the Senate passing it by 34 votes to 19 on Thursday, and the House of Representatives approving it on Wednesday with a 102 to 13 majority. Amendments introduced by the opposition were endorsed on Friday, finalizing the bill's enactment.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the law as a significant step in supporting parents who are concerned about online dangers facing their children. "Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them," Albanese said.

Although tech companies have been given one year to comply with the new regulations before penalties are enforced, some, including Meta Platforms, have criticized the pace at which the legislation was rushed through Parliament. Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI), representing these platforms in Australia, voiced concerns about the law's practical implications and its rapid enactment. "The community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them," DIGI managing director Sunita Bose commented.

The law includes provisions to enhance privacy protections, stating that platforms cannot demand users provide government-issued identity documents or digital identification via a government system. However, this has raised concerns about user privacy, especially for those who need to verify their age.

Support for the bill is broad among major political parties, but it has faced opposition from child welfare and mental health advocates who worry about potential negative consequences. Greens Senator David Shoebridge warned that the ban could dangerously isolate vulnerable young people, particularly in regional areas and the LGBTQI community.

Opposition Senator Maria Kovacic argued that the legislation is necessary and overdue. "For too long they have shirked these responsibilities in favor of profit," she said, referring to social media companies.

Online safety advocates like Sonya Ryan, who lost her daughter to online predation, and Wayne Holdsworth, whose son died by suicide following an online scam, have expressed their strong support for the law, describing it as a critical measure in protecting children from severe online harms.

Critics, including Christopher Stone from Suicide Prevention Australia, believe the government has not adequately weighed the positive aspects of social media. Meanwhile, tech platforms like Meta Platforms and Snapchat have committed to cooperating with the Australian government and the eSafety Commissioner during the implementation period to develop a balanced approach that ensures safety without compromising privacy.

While the government asserts that the legislation addresses parental concerns ahead of an upcoming general election, critics argue that it might result in more harm than protection.