Issues raised with new ban
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Australia has enacted landmark legislation that will ban social media access for children and teenagers under 16.
Passed late Thursday in the Senate, the laws target platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
Fines of up to $50 million may be imposed on companies failing to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms.
While the laws have been hailed as a world-first move to safeguard young Australians, reactions from tech companies and experts highlight significant concerns over their implementation and potential unintended consequences.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, expressed “respect” for the legislation but criticised its rushed nature.
A company statement emphasised the lack of clear evidence linking social media use to harm, calling the Senate Committee’s conclusions “predetermined”.
Meta proposed an age verification system at the operating system and app store level, arguing it would be less burdensome and more privacy-conscious than requiring sensitive data sharing directly with platforms.
Snapchat, initially feared to be exempt, voiced “serious concerns” about unanswered questions surrounding the law’s practical application.
The company pledged to collaborate with the government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation phase to strike a balance between safety, privacy, and practicality.
TikTok says it also prioritises youth safety, yet described the legislative process as rushed.
The platform emphasised its commitment to maintaining high safety standards while seeking collaboration with the government to minimise the law's unintended consequences.
The legislation introduces a broad definition of social media platforms, aiming to encompass services seen as harmful to young people.
Exemptions will apply for health and education services including YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline and Google Classroom.
While many support the intent behind the law, experts remain divided on its effectiveness and ethical implications.
Critics argue that the legislation shifts responsibility for protecting children from harmful online content away from the platforms.
The laws may also isolate vulnerable youth who rely on social media for connection.
Additionally, experts say the ban could infringe on young Australians' implied freedom of political communication.
The changes could also drive young users to less-regulated platforms with potentially greater risks. The question of whether children will be able to access unmonitored content or use third-party workarounds remains unresolved.
The government plans a 12-month trial to refine enforcement mechanisms, including testing age verification technologies developed by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme.
These include ID checks and AI-driven facial analysis to estimate users' ages.
It is hoped that the 12-month implementation period will be an opportunity to address these concerns and ensure the legislation achieves its goals without creating new challenges.
