Elon Musk Accuses Australia of Internet Control Over Teen Social Media Ban

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government plans to ban under-16s from using social media.
• Social media companies will be required to enforce strict age verification.
• Elon Musk said the policy appeared to be an attempt to control the internet.

Elon Musk has accused the Australian government of overstepping its bounds after lawmakers proposed  new rules to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media.

Alluding to the requirement that users must prove their age to access social media, Musk said  it “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”

Musk Slams ‘Backdoor’ Government Policy

While specific details of the anticipated social media ban remain under wraps, it would require platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram to verify the age of all users.

While the government claims the proposed ban is about protecting young people from psychological and physical harm, Musk raises an important point.

For many libertarians, some degree of anonymity is a precondition for online freedom. However, if every platform user needs to show identification at the door, this becomes a challenge.

And while most digitally savvy teenagers could easily bypass geographic restrictions using a VPN, the prospect of social media platforms compiling biometric databases poses legitimate privacy concerns.

X Could be Fined for Compliance Failure

Under the proposed regulations, platforms face significant fines for failing to implement measures that align with the law.

For a company like X, penalties could reach 150 million Australian dollars ($97 million USD).

While Musk has taken a confrontational stance, other social media companies have also expressed reservations.

In a statement reported  by Mumbrella, Meta said: “We are concerned the government is rushing this legislation without adequate consultation or evidence, and there are still many unknowns with respect to its implementation.”

“The Government’s approach will likely require each app provider to collect personal identification or biometric data from all Australians,” it added, calling this “an inefficient and burdensome process for everyone.”

Government Rejects Criticism

Responding to Musk’s criticism, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said : “The idea that Elon Musk is not delighted with our steps to try and protect kids online is not an especially big surprise to us, nor does it trouble us greatly.”

Supporters of the policy contend that although tech leaders like Musk champion free speech, their platforms have failed to adequately address the risks posed to vulnerable groups.

The controversy places Australia at the center of a global debate over the role of governments in regulating the internet, with Musk emerging as a vocal opponent of regulations he perceives as authoritarian.