Australia Implements Social Media Age Restrictions for Under 16s
Canberra, Australia – A new law in Australia, effective Wednesday, prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing various social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the implementation challenges associated with this legislation.
Implementation and Compliance
Parents reported instances of children being restricted from accessing platforms following the law's commencement. Some younger individuals reportedly attempted to bypass age verification systems. Methods for circumventing restrictions, potentially involving parents or older siblings, are also anticipated.
Platforms subject to the ban include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Twitch. These companies face potential fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $32.9 million USD) for non-compliance, specifically if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts belonging to Australian children under 16.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is responsible for enforcing the ban. She stated that the targeted platforms possess the necessary technology and user data to implement the age restrictions accurately. Commissioner Inman Grant will issue notices to the 10 platforms, requesting information on their implementation strategies and the number of accounts closed. A public report on the ban's initial effectiveness is scheduled for release before Christmas.
Communications Minister Anika Wells noted that while platforms might not agree with the law, they have committed to compliance. She reported that over 200,000 TikTok accounts in Australia had been deactivated by Wednesday. Wells also cautioned that individuals attempting to evade detection through methods like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) would likely be identified eventually, as platforms are required to conduct routine checks on under-16 accounts.
Perspectives on the Ban
Prime Minister Albanese stated that the implementation would be challenging and "won't be perfect," emphasizing the social responsibility of social media companies.
Wayne Holdsworth, an advocate for age restrictions whose son died by suicide following an online sextortion scam, viewed the new law as a starting point. He stressed the importance of educating children about online risks before they turn 16. Flossie Brodribb, a 12-year-old advocate, expressed hope that other nations would adopt similar measures, believing the ban will contribute to children's health, safety, and connection to the physical world.
Conversely, Simone Clements, mother to 15-year-old twins involved in the entertainment industry, identified potential financial impacts on her children. She stated that social media serves as a platform for their portfolios and an income source, and the ban would result in the loss of their young online followers.