Australia will soon see the world’s largest social media ban on users younger than 16 years. This new rule goes into effect on 10 December. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched this initiative with great fanfare. He pointedly clarified that the ban’s purpose is to “allow kids to be kids” by limiting their exposure to online dangers and stresses.
One of the main actors—Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—is making moves to change that narrative. They have just started to notify all users under 16 of accounts being deactivated within seven days. These notifications started going out on December 4th. Writing on its Official Twitter Account, the firm notified consumers that users would no longer be able to sign up for accounts on its platforms.
The Australian e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that this ban is designed to protect teens “from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts.” According to Australia’s internet watchdog, about 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users in the country are in the age group specified.
New federal regulations would require social media platforms to be held accountable. If they cannot show they have taken “reasonable steps” to prevent users aged under 16 from accessing their services, they face penalties of up to A$50 million (£25 million). The social media platforms affected by this ban include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Platforms like Discord, GitHub, and Google Classroom become notable exceptions as they are not covered by these bans. Other exempt platforms are: LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids.
Mandatory age checks will be introduced for accounts using chat features starting in December for Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. This initiative will expand globally in January. So far, it looks like Meta is preparing to comply with the new laws. They are rolling out verification methods that the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) piloted earlier this year.
Meta has argued, with varying degrees of effectiveness, that it’s committed to playing by the new rules. Featured speaker, Antigone Davis, vice president and global head of safety at Meta. In an interview with Reuters Financial, she elaborated on the company’s focus on safety.
“While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process.” – Antigone Davis
Davis recognized the problems created by tech-savvy teens who will be able to try to work around age assurance efforts.
“Teens are resourceful and may attempt to circumvent age assurance measures to access restricted services.” – Meta