Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, again, Senator Dolega, for the question. In response to advice from the eSafety Commissioner, Ms Julie Inman Grant, the online safety rules specify which types of online services will not be captured by the social media law, including messaging apps and health and education services. From December, all services that meet the definition of an age restricted social media platform in the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 and are not excluded in the rules will be subject to the social media minimum age law. This law requires social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having an account from 10 December 2025. The onus is strictly on social media platforms; there are no penalties for under-16s who may gain access to an age restricted platform or for parents or educators who may provide that access. Again, Australians should be immensely proud that we are prioritising the online safety of our children and leading the world. (Time expired)