Australia is facing increasing governmental control resembling a surveillance state, driven by initiatives like the mandatory Digital ID and age verification for social media. Critics argue it undermines freedoms in pursuit of safety, likening it to an Orwellian dystopia.

In 2024, Australia enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting social media use for individuals under 16. This law, driven by mental health concerns, mandates age verification and could lead to significant fines for non-compliance. Critics warn of potential privacy violations and mass surveillance through proposed Digital ID systems.