Australia Australian government wants age restrictions for online networks

In future, young people in Australia will only be allowed to use online networks from the age of 16 or even 14. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that a corresponding law is to be introduced to parliament this year.

The Labor politician described the effect of networks such as Facebook and Instagram on children as a "scourge". The minimum age should encourage children to put away their digital devices, Albanese said.

According to the head of government, it has not yet been decided whether Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and co. should only be allowed from the age of 14 or 16 in Australia in future. Personally, he is in favor of an age limit of 16, Albanese said in a series of interviews about his plan.

Test to verify the age

In order to not only introduce the new regulation from the end of the year, but also to be able to enforce it, a system for verifying user age is to be tested in the coming months.

"I want to see children get off their devices and go to the football pitches, swimming pools and tennis courts," Albanese explained his motives on Australian broadcaster ABC. "We want them to have real experiences with real people because we know that social media causes social harm."