Australia’s new teen social media ban is expected to set a precedent worldwide, as Meta begins blocking accounts of users under 16 across its platforms.
- Australia’s new teen social media ban is expected to set a precedent worldwide, as Meta begins blocking accounts of users under 16 across its platforms.
According to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, the decision to enforce a ban on social media for teenagers is a significant step in the global effort to regulate Big Tech. Speaking at the Sydney Dialogue, a cyber summit, she noted that this legislation could be the first domino to fall. With a deadline approaching on December 10, Meta has already started locking out hundreds of thousands of accounts.
Inman Grant initially had reservations about the approach, labelling it a “blunt-force” method. However, she recognised that previous regulatory measures had failed to adequately protect young users. “We’ve reached a tipping point,” she stated, highlighting the dangers of design features that exploit user data.
Statistics reveal that approximately 96% of Australian teenagers under 16, equating to over a million individuals, are active on social media. This figure underscores the pervasive presence of social media in the lives of young Australians, a factor that has prompted the government to take decisive action.
As the law nears its implementation date, platforms owned by Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube have confirmed they will comply with the new regulations, following over a year of campaigning against the ban. The penalties for non-compliance could reach A$49.5 million (around $33 million), which further incentivises adherence to the new rules.
Meta commenced the deactivation process on Thursday, with Instagram, Facebook, and Threads locking out accounts of users under 16. Other platforms are also reaching out to younger users, advising them to download their data and offering options to delete or freeze their accounts until they reach the age of 16.
Parents have expressed relief at the new regulations. Jennifer Jennison, a Sydney mother, remarked, “It’s a great thing and I’m glad that the pressure is taken off the parents because there are so many mental health implications.” She emphasised the importance of providing children with a break from social media to focus on family and personal time.
Inman Grant also discussed the lobbying efforts by social media platforms, which have reportedly involved appeals to the U.S. government. The platforms have sought to contest the authority of the Australian law, arguing it infringes on free speech rights. Although Inman Grant did not confirm whether she would comply with a request to testify before a U.S. congressional committee, she noted that such actions demonstrate the extra-territorial reach of these companies.
