“That’s the price of admission for operating in markets around the world. And there is a role for the platforms, and there’s a responsibility that the platforms have.”
On Thursday, legislation banning children under 16 from social media, which would include Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Musk’s X was introduced to the House of Representatives. Children would still be able to use YouTube, WhatsApp and gaming services.
Australian children’s music supergroup the Wiggles led the protests against plans to include YouTube in the ban, pointing out their preschool audience watched many of their performances via the platform. In a statement, YouTube stated it appreciated the government’s consideration of it being exempt.
Platforms Meta and TikTok shared X’s concern over the legislation, signalling the government could face barriers from the tech giants implementing the ban.
On Friday Coalition communications spokesman David Coleman – who has given bipartisan support – said the social media giants were the core problem.
“You are always going to have to draw a line somewhere … we’ve got to focus on the main issue here and the main issue is that social media is devastating Australian families,” he told ABC Radio National.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland acknowledged the policy would not be perfect.
“Age assurance technology will not be 100 per cent childproof, but we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” she said in question time on Thursday.
Australia’s proposed law has gained international attention as the ban on access for all children under 16 goes further than the parental consent provisions introduced by other nations.
Musk’s warning about the legislation’s implications for other Australians follows local concerns that some age-verification technologies would require all social media users to confirm their age before logging in.
During Senate estimates earlier this month, deputy secretary of the Department of Communications James Chisholm confirmed identity documents may need to be provided to verify a person is old enough to use the technology.
Social media giants could face fines of up to $50 million if they breach the proposed age limit.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Meta shared Musk’s concern about the legislation forcing Australians to verify their identity, arguing: “The government’s approach will likely require each app provider to collect personal identification or biometric data from all Australians”.
TikTok also argued that a blanket ban could push young people into dark spaces that do not have safety guardrails.
“A blunt ban doesn’t encourage companies to continually improve safety, because the focus is on keeping teenagers off the service, rather than keeping them safe when they’re on it,” a spokesperson said.
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Albanese and his ministers have previously batted away any concerns about Musk refusing to comply with the laws if they pass, as the prime minister said earlier this month he would always advocate for Australia’s national interest.
Separately, Health Minister Mark Butler also dodged questions on whether he was concerned about Musk’s influence since the billionaire became one of Trump’s main allies.
“[Musk’s] got a job with the US around what happens within the US government. We’ve got a responsibility to do the right thing by Australians,” he told ABC Radio National.