As nations grapple with the growing influence of the tech industry, protecting children online has emerged as a global priority. Leading the charge, Australia has enacted groundbreaking legislation to prohibit minors under 16 from accessing social media. Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, is at the helm of implementing this first-of-its-kind law—and she has valuable insights for the United States.
The Law in Action: Protecting Kids or Overreach?
Dubbed a “social media restriction bill” rather than a ban, the law represents a significant shift in responsibility from parents to platforms. Inman Grant emphasized that previous efforts to protect children online have been “incremental rather than monumental,” with tech companies failing to meet the expectations of social responsibility.
The legislation introduces sweeping changes, including exemptions and a broad definition of what qualifies as social media. Platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and online gaming apps, which blur the lines between messaging and social interaction, will also come under scrutiny. The law aims to curb addictive features like endless scrolling and harmful algorithmic content while balancing privacy concerns with safety needs.
But enforcing the law is a challenge. Inman Grant has been working on age verification technologies since 2008 and suggests tools like biometrics, digital IDs, and ecosystem-wide approaches. “If we can put a man on the moon, we can certainly verify the age of a child,” she quipped, though she acknowledged the complexity of implementation.
Criticism and the Role of Government
While the law has strong political momentum in Australia, it has also faced criticism. Social media companies argue that it constitutes government overreach and infringes on free speech. Inman Grant counters that these measures are necessary, as parents often lack the resources to effectively monitor their children’s online activities. She notes that marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth, rely on online spaces for community and identity but are also disproportionately targeted by online hate.
“Being online makes us feel more ourselves than we are in the real world,” she said, highlighting the importance of creating safe digital environments that don’t isolate children from the benefits of online connection.
Lessons for the U.S.
Inman Grant believes the U.S. has much to learn from Australia’s proactive approach. Unlike the polarized debate over online safety in the U.S., Australia’s efforts have been largely bipartisan, focused on protecting citizens and holding tech companies accountable. She compares the initiative to the introduction of car safety features like seat belts and airbags, which were initially resisted by manufacturers but are now standard and save countless lives.
“We need to embed the virtual seat belts and erect the digital guardrails to prevent the next tech wreck,” she said.
The U.S. Congress has considered its own kids’ online safety measures, such as the Kids Online Safety Act, but progress has been stymied by partisan disagreements. Inman Grant argues that an independent online safety regulator in the U.S. could be transformative, fostering collaboration and advancing harm remediation.
A Global Experiment with Implications Beyond Borders
Australia’s legislation is not just about keeping kids off social media; it’s a bold experiment in reshaping the relationship between governments, tech companies, and citizens. It challenges platforms to take responsibility for their products’ impact and serves as a model for balancing innovation with safety.
“If the U.S. had a fellow regulator to work with, I think it would be game-changing,” Inman Grant said, expressing optimism for a future where countries collaborate to create safer online environments.