The Australian government has taken a historic step by passing a measure that forbids minors under 16 from accessing social media. With 102 votes in favor and 13 against, the Australian House of Representatives approved the measure to shield youth from the possible negative effects of social media.
What Does the Bill Say?
According to the bill, social media companies such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X would have to prohibit accounts created by minors under sixteen. If they don’t follow the new rules, these platforms risk fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (about 33 million US dollars).
How will the ban be put into place?
Social media companies will have a year to implement the age limits before facing penalties. The bill does not, however, outline how the platforms are to confirm users’ ages. To confirm a user’s age, the platforms are not permitted to request official identity papers like driver’s licenses or passports. Additionally, users are unable to verify their age using digital identity systems run by the government.
Reactions to the Bill
A variety of stakeholders have responded to the measure in different ways. Some individuals think the measure is a good first step in protecting kids online, such as Wayne Holdsworth, who lost his 17-year-old son to an online sextortion fraud.
Holdsworth stated, “I think it’s a great idea,” during an interview. “I believe it’s a solid place to start. We must take action to keep our children safe online.
Others, however, are concerned that the measure could not be successful and might potentially encourage young people to utilize unregulated sites like the dark web.
“The bill is well-intentioned, but it’s not going to work,” said Dr. Kathryn Crawford, a University of Sydney cyberpsychologist. “Kids will figure out how to avoid it.
What’s Next?
The Australian Senate will now consider and approve the measure. If it is approved, Australia will be the first nation in the world to forbid minors under the age of sixteen from accessing social media.
The measure has spurred a global discussion on how social media affects youth. While some nations, like the US, are adopting a more laissez-faire stance, others, like the UK, are contemplating legislation along similar lines.
One thing is certain as the world observes Australia’s trial of prohibiting minors from using social media: the discussion on how to keep kids safe online is far from ending.
The Impact on Social Media Platforms
The bill is likely to have a significant impact on social media platforms, which will have to implement new age verification systems to comply with the regulations.
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have already announced plans to introduce new age verification tools, including the use of artificial intelligence to detect and remove underage accounts.
However, the platforms have also expressed concerns about the practicality of implementing the ban, particularly in cases where users may not have government-issued identification documents.
“We support the goal of keeping young people safe online, but we need to make sure that any regulations are practical and effective,” said a spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
The Impact on Children and Families
Children and families in Australia will probably be greatly impacted by the measure, as they will have to adjust to a new world in which minors are not allowed on social media.
The measure has been praised by some parents who believe it would help shield their kids from the possible negative effects of social media.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Sydney-based mother of two Sarah Johnson remarked. “I don’t want my kids to be exposed to all the nasty things that are on social media.”
Others, however, have voiced worries that the measure will be challenging to implement and may even encourage youth to use riskier internet resources.
In finalization
A historic piece of legislation that has spurred a global discussion on the role of social media in young people’s lives is Australia’s bill to prohibit minors under 16 from using it.
Some have praised the initiative as an essential step in shielding kids from the possible negative effects of social media, while others have voiced doubts about its viability and efficacy.
One thing is evident as the globe observes Australia’s trial of prohibiting minors from using social media: the discussion on how to keep kids safe online is far from ending.
