Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia is set to enforce a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, with the legislation taking effect on December 10. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the measure as a "world-leading" initiative designed to allow children to experience childhood.
The ban encompasses various platforms, including Meta's Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, alongside TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit. While companies like Meta have expressed opposition to the measure, they have confirmed their compliance with the new regulations.
Meta's Compliance and Account Deactivations
Meta has initiated the process of notifying users believed to be between 13 and 15 years old in Australia that their accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads will be deactivated. Notifications are being delivered via text, email, and in-app messages, with deactivations scheduled to commence on December 4.
From December 4, individuals under 16 years of age will be unable to create new accounts on Meta's social media platforms. The company is encouraging young users to update their contact details to facilitate notifications regarding future eligibility for account creation. Additionally, users are advised that they can download and save their posts, videos, and messages before their accounts are shut down.
Australia's internet regulator estimates that approximately 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users fall within the 13-15 age bracket.
Age Verification Procedures
Meta has outlined methods for young users to challenge account restrictions if they assert they are 16 years or older. These methods include submitting a "video selfie" for facial age scans or providing a driver's license or other government-issued identification.
These verification processes were evaluated by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) in a report commissioned by the Australian state. The ACCS acknowledged the merits of each method but stated that no single, universally effective solution was identified for all deployment scenarios.
Regulatory Enforcement and Industry Adaptations
Social media platforms that do not implement "reasonable steps" to prevent access for under-16s face potential fines of up to A$50 million (£25 million).
Antigone Davis, Meta's Vice-President and Global Head of Safety, informed Reuters Financial that while efforts are underway to remove all users under 16 by December 10, achieving full compliance will be an "ongoing and multi-layered process." Meta has also suggested that a law requiring parental approval for under-16s to download social media applications would be beneficial, acknowledging that "Teens are resourceful, and may attempt to circumvent age assurance measures."
Australia's e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, specified that the ban aims to safeguard teens from "pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts."
In a related development, the gaming platform Roblox announced measures to prevent children under 16 from engaging in chat with adult strangers. Mandatory age checks for chat features will be introduced, beginning in December for Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, followed by a global rollout in January.