In a rather radical move, Australia has passed a legislation which bans children and teenagers under the age of 16 from using social media. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, aims to protect the mental health and wellbeing of young people. We explain how the ban affects social media companies, how Australia plans to enforce and more.
Which social media platforms are affected by the ban?
The ban applies to platforms where the primary purpose is online social interaction, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Facebook.
Which social media platforms are exempt from the ban?
YouTube has been exempted from the ban. Also exempt from the ban are WhatsApp, Google Classroom, and Messenger Kids
How does Australia plan to enforce the ban?
Social media companies will be required to take "reasonable steps" to verify users' ages and prevent those under 16 from creating accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $32.5 million). The government will conduct a trial of age-verification methods starting in January 2025 to ensure effective enforcement. The ban is expected to come fully in effect by end of 2025
What do public and experts have to say?
The ban has received mixed reviews. According to a report by Reuters, While 77% of Australians support the legislation, some experts and lawmakers argue that the bill was rushed and lacks clarity on enforcement. The Australian Human Rights Commission has also expressed concerns about the lack of detail in the legislation.
Can parents and kids be punished for violating the ban?
No, underage users will not face any sort of punishment for violating the ban. The parents also won’t face any consequences. Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia, said in a press conference that the laws are clear. “We don't argue that its implementation will be perfect, just like the alcohol ban for under 18s doesn't mean that someone under 18 never has access, but we know that it's the right thing to do,” said Albanese.
What do social media firms have to say?
Clearly the big social media firms aren’t too happy with the ban. They feel the law was “rushed” and lacks “clarity.” A Meta spokesperson told Reuters that while it respects the country’s law it felt that Australia “rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.”
Snapchat also said the there’s a lack of clarity. “While there are many unanswered questions about how this law will be implemented in practice, we will engage closely with the Government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety and practicality,” a Snap spokesperson told Reuters in a statement.
Do any other countries have a similar ban?
Not really. In 2023, France introduced legislation mandating parental approval for children under 15 to open accounts on social media platforms. However, the legislation still hasn’t been enforced. Belgium has a law where children have to be at least 13 years of age to open an account on social media platforms.
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