Australia social media ban: The Australian government has taken a historic and controversial step regarding the online safety of children. Now children below 16 years of age will not be able to use social media in the country. This new law will come into effect from December 10. According to this Meta (Facebook, Instagram), TikTok and Snapchat Social media companies will have to remove minor users from their platforms. If a company violates this law, a heavy fine of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about ₹ 270 crore) can be imposed on it.
The Australian government has clarified that social media platforms must ensure that no child under the age of 16 can create an account. For this, companies will have to adopt “reasonable steps” i.e. technical and practical measures so that the digital presence of children can be banned. The purpose of this law is to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and negative effects on mental health.
Meta, TikTok and Snap have said that they will comply with the law, but also said that this is not a permanent solution to protect children. Snap’s global policy head Jennifer Stout said, “We don’t agree, but will follow the law.” TikTok Australia’s public policy head Ella Woods-Joyce said they are “ready to comply.” Companies say that if children are completely removed from social media, they will move to unsafe or unregulated websites, where security and monitoring are extremely difficult.
Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) said that it will contact 4.5 lakh minor users and give them two options to either delete their data, or keep the data stored until they turn 16. Whereas about 2 lakh minor users are active on TikTok’s platform, and about 4.4 lakh minor users are active on Snapchat.
Companies will now use AI and advanced detection tools to identify which users have entered their age incorrectly. Snap also said that it is creating an appeal system so that accidentally blocked users can prove their correct age.
The Australian government says that the purpose of this law is to protect children from harmful online content and cyberbullying. The government claims that excessive use of social media among children is increasing mental stress and depression. However, some experts say that this rule can make those children feel lonely who, due to illness or isolation, remain connected to the world only through social media.
This decision of Australia can now become a global example. Many countries are considering new laws regarding the online safety of children. Meta, TikTok and Snap said that governments should create a balanced, safe and educational digital environment for children instead of just banning it.
