In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting children online, Australia is set to introduce legislation banning social media use for those under 16. Major platforms like Meta, TikTok, and X will have a year to comply with this regulation, which seeks to minimize minors' exposure to online dangers.
Starting November 18, the Australian government will enforce this law, prohibiting social media access for users under 16, even with parental consent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports the policy, asserting it empowers parents to shield their children from social media's harmful effects.
Albanese compared the ban to restrictions on alcohol sales for minors, emphasizing the need for responsible online engagement. The enforcement of this age restriction will fall on tech companies, which must develop age verification mechanisms within a year. Currently, the minimum age for these platforms is 13, but the government aims to raise this threshold.
Meta has expressed concerns over the technical challenges of implementing such a ban. Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, pointed out the limitations of existing age verification technologies, which often rely on sensitive personal information and could raise privacy issues.
This legislative push follows tragic incidents linked to social media, including the suicide of 12-year-old Ella Catley-Crawford after severe cyberbullying. Her story, along with others, underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations.
Australia's initiative aligns with a global trend toward regulating children's social media use. Countries like China and Japan have already enacted similar measures to protect young users from harmful content and cyberbullying.
In the UK, there are also calls to raise the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16, emphasizing the need for parental consent for minors' social media access. Despite concerns about enforcement, Meta has pledged to comply with Australia's age restrictions, although it questions the effectiveness of current technologies.
The upcoming legislation aims to ensure social media companies prioritize child safety, but significant logistical and ethical challenges remain.