Australia’s Social Media Ban
- Dec 31, 2024, Australia
On September 10, 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Australian government would embark on a $6.5 million trial of age verification technology to ban children from using all social media platforms.
The proposed legislation may result in an enforced minimum age for children using social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, to name a few.
At present, the Australian government has yet to announce a minimum age. However, it is expected to be somewhere between 14 to 16 years old.
If Australia does stop teenagers from accessing social media, it will become the first country in the world to do so, and many more nations may follow suit.
Keep reading to learn more about Australia’s proposed social media ban, including its potential introduction date, age verification options, and expert opinions.
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When Will the Social Media Ban be Introduced?
The Australian government hasn’t confirmed an official introduction date for its proposed social media ban for children.
However, Albanese stated the country plans to block children from accessing social media and various digital platforms by the end of 2024. However, they can access the sites once they reach the legal age.
Why Will Australia Ban Children from Accessing Social Media?
Australia plans to introduce a social media ban due to an increased call from parents eager to protect their children online.
During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp, Albanese said, “We know there are mental health consequences for what many young people have had to deal with. The bullying that can occur online. The access to material which causes social harm, and parents want a response.”
How Will Ages Be Verified?
Many people have questioned if an age verification process will be enforceable.
There are few details about the age verification trial, but many people believe Australia may follow the verification process the UK currently uses for adult websites. However, some processes might not work for children aged 16 and under.
For example, a social media company could use facial age estimation technology, allow mobile providers to confirm a user’s age, request users upload a photo to match a photo ID or allow banks to confirm a user’s age.
Have Other Countries Banned Social Media?
Many countries and US states are hoping to introduce legislation to protect children from harm on social media, such as cyberbullying.
For instance, France attempted to introduce a similar law in 2023, as it passed legislation to force social media companies to prohibit access to children under 15 years old.
However, the nation has experienced various technical issues that are allowing children under the minimum age to access the platforms.
Also, the United Kingdom has introduced the UK Online Safety Bill, which makes social media platforms responsible for children’s safety and well-being.
The United States Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act prevents tech companies from targeting children, and it introduced increased regulation of personal data of children aged 13 and under.
California has gone one step further with its Age-Appropriate Design Code Act to enforce privacy protections and improve safety for young social media users.
What Do Experts Have to Say About the Ban?
It was reported that over 100 leading academics and internationally respected experts wrote letters to Prime Minister Albanese to express their reservations about the upcoming ban.
Many believe a social media ban may force children to access unregulated sites, which could risk their safety online.
