On Tuesday, Google (GOOGL.O) and Meta Platforms (META.O), the parent company of Facebook, called on the Australian government to delay a bill that seeks to ban most social media for children under 16, emphasizing the need for additional time to assess its possible effects.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government intends to pass the bill by the end of the parliamentary year on Thursday, positioning it as one of the strictest regulations on children’s social media use globally.

The bill was introduced in parliament last week and offered only a single day for public feedback.

In their submissions, Google and Meta suggested that the government delay proceeding with the bill until the results of an age-verification trial are available.

The proposed age-verification system could involve biometrics or government-issued identification to enforce age restrictions for social media.

Meta stated, “Without these results, neither the industry nor Australians will fully understand the scope of age assurance needed by the bill, nor the potential impact of these measures on Australians.”

The bill is criticized as inconsistent and ineffective, as it places the responsibility for age verification on social media platforms rather than parents or children, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for violations.

While the opposition Liberal party is expected to support it, some independent lawmakers argue the government is rushing the process.

TikTok raised concerns over the lack of clarity and insufficient consultation with experts, while X (formerly Twitter) warned it could infringe on children’s human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.

X owner, Elon Musk also criticized the bill as an attempt to control internet access.