An Australian Senate committee has backed a bill that would ban social media for children under 16 but said social media platforms should not force users to submit personal data such as passport and other digital identification to prove their age.

An Australian Senate committee has endorsed a proposed law to prohibit social media use for children under 16 but recommended against platforms requiring sensitive personal data, such as

The passage of the bill leaves it to Australia's Senate to take the next step in finalizing the world-first law.

Australia's House of Representatives passed a bill banning children under 16 from social media. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook could face hefty fines for non-compliance. While facing criticism regarding privacy and parental control,

The Australian Senate committee endorses a bill that seeks to bar social media access for children under 16. The bill, backed by both major political parties, would enforce age verification using methods like biometrics.

The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts.

Australia passes a groundbreaking bill banning under-16s from social media. The legislation aims to enforce fines on platforms like TikTok and Facebook for failing to prevent young users. Critics argue it won’t effectively address social media harms and could create privacy risks.