Australia is preparing to implement a ban preventing individuals under 16 from holding social media accounts. This initiative requires tech companies to undertake "reasonable steps" to enforce the age restriction on their platforms. The Australian measure is being observed by other nations, with some industry analysts suggesting it could set a global precedent.
Increasing Scrutiny on Social Media
Global scrutiny of social media companies has intensified, particularly concerning their impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young users. Stephen Scheeler, a former Facebook Australia chief who left the company in 2017, has articulated a perspective that while platforms offer benefits, they also present significant negative aspects.
Allegations from whistleblowers and lawsuits have suggested that some social media firms prioritize profit over user safety. A landmark US trial, set to begin in January, will address claims that companies, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, designed addictive applications and concealed potential harm. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel have been ordered to testify. State prosecutors have also alleged that Mr. Zuckerberg obstructed efforts to improve teen wellbeing on Meta platforms, including a proposal to remove Instagram face-altering filters. Meta maintains that it has diligently developed tools to ensure teen safety online.
Further industry criticism has focused on the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and violent content. Instances include the rapid dissemination of graphic footage following an assassination. In the US, bipartisan lawmakers have initiated efforts to regulate tech companies. During a congressional hearing, Mr. Zuckerberg issued an apology to families impacted by online exploitation, including the family of Selena Rodriguez, an 11-year-old who died after facing exploitation on Instagram and Snapchat.
Industry Opposition and Lobbying
Social media firms have expressed opposition to Australia's proposed ban. They contend that the policy risks diminishing children's safety, infringes upon user rights, and raises questions about the efficacy of age verification technologies. Paul Taske from NetChoice, a trade group representing several large tech companies, stated that Australia's ban constitutes "blanket censorship" that could leave youth less informed and connected.
In private discussions, tech company representatives have engaged with government officials. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel met with Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells, who also claimed YouTube attempted to lobby through children's entertainers The Wiggles. Public statements from companies like Meta and Snap have suggested that major app store operators, such as Apple and Google, should be responsible for age verification. Meta further stated: "legislation that empowers parents to approve app downloads and verify age allows families - not the government - to decide which apps teens can access."
Government Stance and International Interest
Minister Wells has stated that tech companies have had a 15-20 year period to improve their practices voluntarily and that current efforts are insufficient. She reported that leaders from various countries, including the EU, Fiji, Greece, Malta, Denmark, Norway, Singapore, and Brazil, have expressed interest in Australia's approach or are developing similar legislation.
Company Responses and Ongoing Concerns
Amid mounting pressure, social media companies have introduced features marketed as safer for younger users. Snapchat reported approximately 440,000 users aged 13-15 in Australia, TikTok reported around 200,000 under-16 accounts, and Meta indicated about 450,000 users in this age group across Facebook and Instagram.
Initiatives include YouTube's rollout of AI technology to estimate user age and restrict harmful content for those under 18, Snapchat's special accounts with default safety settings for 13-17 year olds, and Meta's Instagram Teen accounts, which implement stricter privacy and content settings for users under 18. However, a study co-led by former Meta whistleblower Arturo Béjar in September indicated that nearly two-thirds of the new safety tools on Instagram Teen accounts were ineffective. Mr. Béjar stated that social media companies are not addressing the harm experienced by teens substantively.
Analysts note that while companies are communicating efforts to comply with the impending ban, they may also be observing potential challenges, such as legal disputes and technological loopholes, which could influence similar policies in other nations. Carnegie Mellon University marketing professor Ari Lightman suggested that potential fines, with a maximum of A$49.5 million ($33 million, £24.5 million) for serious breaches, may be viewed as a operational cost for larger platforms. Mr. Scheeler described the regulation as a "seatbelt moment" for social media, suggesting that even imperfect regulation is preferable to no regulation.