World Backs Australia's Age Verification Law for Social Media at UN

Published Date : 9/25/2025 

Australia's age verification legislation for social media has gained significant support from European leaders at the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's initiative is seen as a crucial step in protecting children online. 

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a strong case for the country's age check legislation at the UN General Assembly this week, describing it as “a crucial step in the right direction.” The initiative aims to protect children from the potential dangers of social media by implementing age verification measures.

Leaders from Europe showed enthusiastic support for Australia’s model. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined Albanese in advocating for tighter restrictions on technology for kids. Greece has already introduced a ban on mobile phones in schools and launched a digital platform, parco.gov.gr, which verifies users’ ages and provides parental control tools when buying a child’s first phone.

In his speech to the Assembly, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that Greece is “ready to move one step further and to seriously consider a ban for social media usage, a digital majority age” modeled on Australia’s. “I’ve asked my team to work very closely with your team to see how we can actually make this work,” he emphasized.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyden also expressed fresh support for a so-called digital majority age for access to social media. “This is a bold decision that you have taken and it’s an example of what determined countries can do,” von der Leyden said of Australia’s project. “Since the announcement of Australia’s landmark minimum age law, I’ve been watching very closely and I’ve been inspired by Australia’s example.”

“You’re the first to give this a try. And when your loud critics tell you, I guess this won’t work, that can’t be done, the tech genie cannot be put back in the bottle, et cetera, you are persistent. We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you as you implement your world first and world-leading social media ban.” Von der Leyden, a mother of seven children and a grandmother of five, shared her personal belief in the necessity of such measures.

Many member states believe the time has come for a digital majority age for access to social media. This initiative is seen as a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the digital age. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of Australia's age verification law?

A: The main goal of Australia's age verification law is to protect children from the potential dangers of social media by implementing age verification measures.

Q: Which European leader has shown support for Australia's initiative?

A: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyden have shown strong support for Australia's age verification initiative.

Q: What steps has Greece taken to protect children online?

A: Greece has introduced a ban on mobile phones in schools and launched a digital platform, parco.gov.gr, which verifies users’ ages and provides parental control tools.

Q: How does Ursula von der Leyden view Australia's age verification law?

A: Ursula von der Leyden views Australia's age verification law as a bold and inspiring example of what determined countries can achieve in protecting children online.

Q: What is the European Commission's stance on a digital majority age for social media?

A: The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyden, supports the idea of a digital majority age for access to social media, considering it a necessary step to ensure children's safety in the digital age. 

More Related Topics :