‘Backdoor way to control access’: Musk criticizes Australia’s proposed ban on social media for children

US billionaire Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, has slammed Australia’s proposed law to ban social media access for children under 16, calling it a “backdoor way to control internet access by all Australians”.
The comments came in response to the announcement of the bill by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on X late Thursday.
Australia’s centre-left government introduced a bill in parliament, outlining plans for one Age-verification system To implement a strict Social media rules Globally. Companies found in systemic violation of the proposed law could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).
The bill aims to prevent the use of social media by children without parental consent or exceptions for pre-existing accounts. “This legislation sends a strong message about protecting the safety and well-being of our children online,” the government said.
Some countries have introduced or proposed similar measures to restrict social media access for minors. For example, France last year suggested a ban for under-15s but allows parental consent, while US law has long required tech companies to seek parental consent to access the data of children under 13.
Musk’s comments add to his history of conflict with Australia’s Labor government over social media policies.
In April, X challenged an Australian Cyber ​​RegulatorAn order to remove posts about the stabbing incident led Albanese to label Musk an “arrogant billionaire.” Musk has previously criticized the government’s disinformation law, describing its approach as “fascist”.