Australia’s Online Safety Act Targets Social Media Risks for Minors, Canada Advances Separate Legislation

Australia has enacted new online safety laws to protect children from harmful content on social media platforms, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The measures, which came into effect in October 2024, require major tech companies to implement stricter age verification systems and remove illegal or harmful material within 24 hours. Canada, meanwhile, has introduced its own legislative framework to address similar concerns, though it has not formally aligned with Australia’s initiative.

What Is Australia’s Online Safety Act?

The Australian Online Safety Act 2024 mandates that social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, adopt “age-appropriate design codes” to limit data collection from users under 18. The law also empowers the ACMA to impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue for noncompliance. “This legislation sets a global benchmark for protecting young people from online harms,” said ACMA Commissioner Anne Flaherty in a statement. The law follows years of advocacy by child welfare groups, including the Australian Children’s Charity, which reported a 40% rise in cyberbullying incidents among teens between 2020 and 2023.

How Is Canada Addressing Social Media Risks?

Canada’s approach to regulating social media is distinct but parallel. In 2023, the federal government introduced the Online Harms Act, which requires platforms to flag or remove content that “poses a serious risk of harm,” such as self-harm guidance or extremist material. Unlike Australia’s focus on age verification, Canada’s law emphasizes content moderation and transparency in algorithmic recommendations. The Canadian government has not confirmed any direct collaboration with Australia’s initiative, though both nations share a common goal of reducing youth exposure to digital risks.

Why Does This Matter for Global Policy?

The Australian and Canadian frameworks reflect a growing international consensus on the need for stricter social media regulation. In 2022, the European Union passed the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes similar obligations on tech companies. However, Australia’s law is notable for its emphasis on age protection, a focus that has drawn attention from policymakers in the U.S. and New Zealand. “Australia’s approach could influence future U.S. legislation, particularly as states like California explore similar measures,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a digital policy analyst at the University of Sydney.

What Are the Challenges Ahead?

Both nations face logistical and legal hurdles. In Australia, tech companies have criticized the age verification requirements as technically challenging and potentially invasive. Canada’s Online Harms Act has also drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who argue that content moderation standards could be inconsistently applied. Meanwhile, the lack of a unified global regulatory framework means enforcement remains fragmented. “These laws are a step forward, but without international cooperation, their impact will be limited,” said Professor Rajiv Mehta, a communications expert at the University of Toronto.

The evolving regulatory landscape underscores the tension between protecting minors and preserving digital freedoms. As more countries adopt similar measures, the coming years will test whether national policies can effectively balance these competing priorities.