Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking social media ban for children under the age of 16, effective from December 10, 2023. This initiative aims to deactivate existing accounts and prevent new registrations for users in this age group on various platforms deemed high-risk by the government.
The legislation requires platforms to demonstrate they have taken adequate measures to enforce the ban, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to $49.5 million. The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has emphasized the importance of this regulation in protecting young users online.
Platforms Affected by the Ban
The list of social media platforms included in the ban encompasses major players such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Notably, Threads, which requires an Instagram account, is also part of the prohibition. The government has indicated that this list could expand in the future, should new platforms emerge that pose similar risks to minors.
Platforms that are exempt from the ban include Roblox, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and LinkedIn. The eSafety commissioner has stated that it will be up to each platform to assess its own risk and determine whether it needs to comply with the new regulations.
How Age Verification Will Function
The responsibility for age verification lies primarily with the social media platforms. The government mandates that requesting a form of identification cannot be the sole method of verification. For instance, while Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has not disclosed its verification strategy, Snapchat plans to use behavioral signals and provided birth dates to identify users under 16.
TikTok has announced it will adopt a “multi-layered approach” involving both technology and human moderation to verify ages. Similar measures will be taken by other platforms, but specific details are still pending.
For users under 16, the protocols vary. Facebook and Instagram will allow them to download their content before deactivation, while TikTok users can choose to archive their profiles or delete their accounts entirely. Snapchat plans to temporarily disable accounts for users under 16, with around 440,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15 expected to be affected.
Appealing Incorrect Bans
Individuals over 16 who are mistakenly classified as underage will have the opportunity to appeal this designation. Meta will facilitate appeals through a facial recognition check or government-issued identification, while Snapchat offers multiple methods, including bank card checks and selfies for age estimation. TikTok will also provide various options for users to prove their age.
Despite some legislative challenges, including a high court case launched by NSW Libertarian MP John Ruddick concerning freedom of political communication, the Australian government has indicated a strong commitment to enforcing the ban.
The eSafety commissioner has cautioned that the ban may not function flawlessly on its first day. Inman Grant has advised that users should not expect immediate compliance across all platforms, acknowledging that the process may take time as companies adapt their systems.
As Australia embarks on this ambitious plan, it aims to set a precedent for other countries considering similar regulations to safeguard minors in the digital landscape.
