How the govt's under-16 social media ban will affect your privacy

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland will introduce a bill to Parliament on Thursday to implement the ban, which will include fines of up to $50 million for companies that systemically breach the law.

Platforms covered by the legislation will be required to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young people under the age of 16 from having an account.

The bill will give the communications minister discretion to exclude specific platforms.

It is understood this will include messaging services, online games and services deemed to have the primary function of supporting users' health and education.

"This reform is about protecting young people and letting parents know we've got their backs," Ms Rowland said.

"Social media has a social responsibility for the safety and mental health of young Australians."

While the government has not confirmed if Snapchat will be exempt, it's highly likely platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and twitter/X will be included in the ban.

Ms Rowland has previously suggested that platforms with dedicated channels for young people, like YouTube Kids, could be eligible for the government's exemptions.

Experts have raised concerns online gaming networks with messaging platforms like Minecraft and Roblox will be banned for children under the laws, however this has yet to be made clear.

While the Coalition has said it will work with the government to pass new social media laws, it has expressed concern digital platforms will evade regulations by creating youth-focused products.

Opposition communications spokesperson David Coleman said he was "very concerned" about an exemption for Snapchat or any other social media platform.

"We'll review the legislation. But we want to see an outcome on this because Australian families want it. It's the right thing to do and we need to protect Australian kids," he said.

The government is conducting its trial of digital age assurance technology, which is expected to deliver its findings six months after the proposed legislation is passed.

While the technical details of the ban are yet to be determined, the government has previously suggested an approach where proof-of-age information would be provided to a third party that would then verify a user's age to social media companies to protect user privacy.

A proposed scheme that requires companies to collect identity data from all users, including those aged over 16, has raised fears it will increase the risk of sensitive data being exposed.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner will monitor whether tech companies are doing enough to keep young people off their platforms and issue "regulatory guidance" that sets out reasonable steps to take.

After legislation is passed, social media companies will have one year to decide how to implement the restrictions on their platforms.