The legislation, which passed 34 votes to 19, mandates social media companies to identify and restrict accounts of children under 16, imposing hefty fines for non-compliance.
Critics argue that banning underage users from social media could isolate vulnerable children, particularly those in regional areas and from the LGBTQI community, impacting their mental health.
Senator David Shoebridge expressed concerns that the policy might exacerbate isolation for many children, especially those who utilize social media for essential support networks.
The law allows platforms one year to comply with the ban, emphasizing privacy protections by prohibiting the collection of government-issued identity documents.
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