Elon Musk Concerned Under 16 Social Media Ban Could Force Digital ID on All Australians

The Bill is aimed at restricting social media access for under 16 year olds over concerns of increasing mental health problems.

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a phone in New York City on March 14, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk has challenged the Australian government’s underage social media ban amid concerns it will require age verification—and data collection—of children across the country.

Musk was responding to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s post on X touting the government’s plan to make 16 years the minimum age for social media use—aimed at curbing negative mental health impacts on children.