Australia: Announced Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024

On 8 September 2024, Premier Peter Malinauskas of South Australia announced the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024. The Bill aims to ban social media for children under 14 and requires social media companies to establish parental consent for children aged 14 and 15 to use their platforms. In addition, under the Bill, platforms would be required to prevent access within the restricted age ranges. Social media platforms that demonstrate a positive impact on children would be able to request an exemption from the Act. The system would be overseen by a regulator who would be able to seek penalties and orders through the Supreme Court. The Bill is part of a report commissioned by the Premier to an Independent Legal Examination and will be subjected to consultation.