Australia’s younger generation is facing changes in the social media environment due to the implementation of a new law prohibiting social media use for children and young teens. Companies such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are starting to enforce this legislation by deactivating or suspending accounts of individuals under 16 years old. Meta, for example, has taken steps to restrict access to Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for users under 16, with a ban on creating new accounts for this age group. While the move aims to protect youth from online risks, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the technology and methods being utilized.
Starting from December 10, social media platforms included in the ban are required to deactivate accounts of users under 16 and prevent new registrations from this age group. The list of platforms affected by this law includes Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Kick.
Companies are using a combination of user-provided information during registration and artificial intelligence (AI) to verify users’ ages. Meta, for instance, plans to implement AI to identify underage accounts. Users can request account reinstatement by submitting government-issued identification or a video selfie for analysis.
Snapchat will also verify users’ ages using government-issued photo ID, third-party software for selfie analysis, or software linking to users’ banking information. While not all companies have disclosed their verification methods, the use of AI for age verification is anticipated.
The verification technology being tested in Australia has faced challenges globally, with concerns raised about incorrect tagging and removal of users from platforms. There are worries about privacy and data integrity implications when sensitive personal information is submitted for verification.
Digital rights advocates question the effectiveness of age-based bans in tackling issues like cyberbullying, expressing concerns that such measures may lead to tracking and censorship across different online spaces. Lawsuits challenging the ban have been initiated, arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights and limits communication avenues for young Australians.
With other countries, including the European Union, considering similar regulations on teen social media use, the approaches adopted in Australia are likely to influence future legislation globally. In Canada, efforts to enhance online safety, such as the Online Harms Act, are being pursued to protect children from online exploitation and increase penalties for certain online offenses.
Legislation addressing online harms has been a subject of ongoing discussions and consultations, emphasizing the importance of balancing rights and protections for young users. The hope is for future bills to consider the impacts on young users and not merely replicate the bold but potentially unthoughtful approach seen in Australia.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of social media regulation and the challenges faced in safeguarding youth in the online world.
