Australian lawmakers have advanced legislation that could ban social media access for users under the age of 16, with potential fines of up to AU$50 million for companies that fail to comply. The bill, which passed the lower house on Wednesday, is set to be debated in the Senate. The new rules would require platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to take steps to prevent teens from creating accounts.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly supported the ban, citing concerns about the negative effects of social media, such as peer pressure, anxiety, and online predators. However, critics have raised concerns about the vague details in the legislation, questioning its enforceability. Experts argue that age restrictions can be easily bypassed, and some social media companies, including LinkedIn, are seeking exemptions.

The legislation is seen as one of the strictest in the world, though it will take at least a year for full enforcement details to be worked out. Some experts believe the policy could have unintended consequences, such as driving teens to unregulated platforms. The ban is also being closely watched by other countries considering similar measures.