Australia introduces ban on social media for under-16s

Australia is set to impose stringent regulations on social media usage by minors, following the approval of new legislation by its parliament that prohibits under-16s from using the networks. The law aims to protect children from what authorities claim are the detrimental effects of social media, including addiction and social isolation.

The Australian government argues that the proposed measures can counterbalance the distressing reality many parents face—deciding between allowing their children to engage with addictive technologies or risking isolation from peers.

Implementation of the law is slated for a year from now, giving technology firms time to adapt to the new restrictions. The regulatory framework introduces hefty penalties, with companies that fail to comply facing fines of up to €30 million. Major social media platforms targeted by the ban include Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X, though gaming platforms and messaging services are exempt.

A key point of contention remains the proposed age verification technology, which the government plans to implement. Critics of the legislation express concerns that the mechanisms for affirming a user’s age may inadequately safeguard privacy and personal data. Speculations indicate that the verification could rely on biometric data or other identifying information; however, researchers have warned that such measures may not guarantee robust protection of privacy rights.

There are additional worries that young users could easily bypass the restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing them to mask their location and access social media despite the ban. This concern echoes a broader skepticism about the practical effectiveness of the regulations.

Technology firms have that the bill lacks the necessary details for meaningful comprehension, and its sweeping definition of social platforms could inadvertently encompass various online services.

Despite the criticisms, a majority of Australian parents appear to be in favour of the restrictions, reflecting a shared apprehension about minors’ unbridled access to social media. This inclination towards stringent regulations is not unique to Australia; France enacted comparable laws last year prohibiting children under the age of 15 from accessing social media without parental consent. However, studies suggest that almost half of the users managed to circumvent these regulations using VPN technology, raising questions about the efficacy and enforcement of such measures.

In the United States, similar efforts to curtail social media use among minors faced legal setbacks. The state of Utah attempted to impose its own restrictions, but a federal judge ruled these regulations unconstitutional, underscoring the complex interplay between safeguarding children and upholding individual rights.

Source: Noah Wire Services