The controversial bill was passed late last night, on the final full sitting day of parliament for the year.

The government was keen to get the bill through before the end-of-year break, and ahead of an upcoming election in the nation, which is expected to be called early in the new year.

The agreed amendments to the Online Safety Actwill mean that:

• Social media platforms will be restricted to users over the age of 16

• Messaging apps, online games, and “services with the primary purpose of supporting the health and education of end-users” will be exempt from the new restrictions (as will YouTube)

• Social media platforms will need to prove that they’ve taken “reasonable steps” to keep users under 16 off their platforms

• Platforms will not be allowed to require that users to provide government-issued ID to prove their age

• Penalties for breaches can reach a maximum of $AUD49.5 million ($US32.2 million) for major platforms

• Parents or young people who breach the laws will not face penalty

The new laws will come into effect in 12 months’ time, giving the platforms opportunity to enact new measures to meet these requirements, and ensure that they align with the updated regulations.

• The Australian Government has touted this as a “world-leading” policy approach designed to protect younger, vulnerable users from unsafe exposure online.