Can Australia’s Social Media Be Banned for Kids Under 16?

Australia has passed a law that prohibits children under 16 from using social media platforms. This law targets major tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. If companies fail to stop minors from logging in, they could face fines up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial phase will begin in January, with the full ban set to take effect in a year.

Public Reactions

The law has received mixed reactions from the public. Some people support it, believing it’s a great step toward protecting kids. Others, however, think it’s too harsh. For example, 11-year-old Emma Wakefield said, “I feel like I still will use it, just secretly get in.”

Tech companies, especially TikTok, have raised concerns. They argue the ban could push young users into more dangerous corners of the internet. A spokesperson for TikTok explained that the decision was rushed and could expose children to higher risks.

Enforcement Challenges

Experts are concerned about how practical the ban will be. They point out that children could easily lie about their age or use someone else’s device to bypass the restrictions. These concerns raise doubts about the effectiveness of the law.

Government Acknowledges Difficulties

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the challenges of enforcement. However, he insists the ban is still the right decision. He compared it to the alcohol ban for people under 18, stating, “We know that it’s the right thing to do.”

Unanswered Questions About Implementation

Experts, such as Lizzie O’Shea from Digital Rights Watch, believe the ban’s effectiveness remains unclear. She said, “There will be workarounds, and the type of age assurance that can be used is not mandated.” These challenges highlight the uncertainty surrounding the law’s practical application.

Tech-Savvy Kids Could Bypass Restrictions

Kalindhi Bhatia, a partner at BTG Advaya, explained that many children are tech-savvy enough to get around restrictions. “No system is completely foolproof,” she said. She suggested that platforms could use advanced methods like ID verification or AI to analyze user behavior, though even these measures might not be enough.

Responsibility Shifts to Social Media Companies

The law shifts responsibility for age verification onto the platforms. Aasish Somasi from SNG & Partners noted that companies like TikTok and Facebook must take “reasonable steps” to ensure underage users cannot create accounts. If they fail to do so, they risk losing immunity from user-generated content.

Privacy Concerns Over Age Verification

One potential solution for age verification is using government-issued IDs. However, this raises privacy concerns. O’Shea pointed out that such a system could lead to the collection of sensitive personal data. Bhatia emphasized that any system must comply with strict privacy and data protection laws to avoid privacy violations.

Key Measures for Effective Enforcement

To enforce the ban effectively, Somasi proposed five key measures:

1. Advanced Age Verification: Platforms could require IDs or biometric authentication for age checks.
2. Device Controls: Manufacturers could install age-restricted access controls on devices to prevent minors from accessing banned platforms.
3. AI Monitoring: Platforms could use AI tools to flag accounts that appear to belong to minors.
4. Parental Responsibility: Parents could be given tools and education to prevent their children from bypassing the ban.
5. Cross-Platform Cooperation: Platforms could collaborate to share flagged accounts and ensure age restrictions are upheld across multiple apps.

Will the Ban Work?

Australia’s social media ban for children under 16 sets a significant precedent for regulating Big Tech. While enforcement will be challenging, the success of the initiative will depend on how well platforms implement and enforce age verification measures.