Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking social media ban for individuals under the age of 16 starting on December 10, 2023. The legislation requires major tech platforms to deactivate existing accounts held by users in this age group and to prevent new registrations until they turn 16. This initiative marks the first of its kind globally, reflecting Australia’s commitment to enhancing online safety for children.
Details of the Social Media Ban
The Australian government has mandated that platforms deemed part of the ban must take “reasonable steps” to ensure compliance. Failure to do so could result in substantial fines, potentially reaching $49.5 million. The eSafety Commissioner, responsible for overseeing these regulations, will evaluate whether platforms have effectively managed their user base to exclude those under 16.
Among the platforms included in the ban are popular social media services such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. The government has indicated that this list may evolve, with additional platforms possibly being added if they become popular among younger users.
Exemptions and Compliance
Certain platforms have been exempt from the ban, including Roblox, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and LinkedIn. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, mentioned that it will be the responsibility of the platforms to self-assess their compliance with the age restrictions. For instance, Bluesky was classified as a “very low risk” due to its limited user base in Australia.
Age verification methods will vary by platform, but the government has mandated that identification cannot be the sole method of verification. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has not disclosed its specific verification strategy, while Snapchat plans to employ behavioral signals alongside user-provided birth dates. TikTok has announced a “multi-layered approach” that integrates technology and human moderation to assess user ages.
For those under 16, platforms like Facebook and Instagram will allow users to either download their content or place their accounts on hold until they reach the eligible age. TikTok will also provide options to deactivate or delete accounts, while Snapchat has indicated that around 440,000 Australian users between 13 and 15 will be impacted by the new regulations.
In the event that an individual over the age of 16 is mistakenly flagged as underage, platforms will offer an appeals process. For example, Meta users can utilize facial verification technology or provide a government-issued ID to confirm their age. Snapchat and TikTok have also outlined similar appeal mechanisms.
Despite the looming deadline, challenges remain. John Ruddick, a member of the New South Wales Parliament, has launched a high court challenge on the basis of freedom of political communication. Furthermore, a parliamentary committee has suggested delaying the implementation by six months, though government leaders have shown no intention of postponing the launch.
As the December 10 date approaches, the government has advised that there may be initial difficulties in enforcing the ban. Inman Grant cautioned that not all underage accounts will be removed immediately and some platforms may require additional time to adjust their systems accordingly. The government emphasizes a gradual approach to compliance and enforcement, particularly focusing on services with a higher proportion of underage users.
The global implications of this ban are significant, as Australia sets a precedent for online safety regulations. As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored by both government authorities and the public.
