High penalties
First country decides on radical social media ban
November 28, 2024 - 4:14 p.mReading time: 2 min.
In Australia, social networks will now be taboo for everyone under the age of 16. This is considered to be unique in the world. The penalties for violations are high.
Australia will ban children and young people under the age of 16 from accessing social media. The controversial law, which is considered the first of its kind in the world, has now cleared the final hurdle in Parliament: After a heated debate, the Senate approved the draft with a large majority and only 19 votes against. The House of Representatives had already approved it on Wednesday.
However, Australia will not introduce the minimum age for access to social networks for another year. The platforms should be given twelve months to implement the new age restriction. If the companies do not take “appropriate measures”, they face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars (30.8 million euros), as the Australian broadcaster ABC reported. Critics warn that the law could isolate children and young people and also exclude them from the positive aspects of social media.
Albanese made the plans public in September and described the effect of online networks such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat on children as a “scourge”. He wanted children to have a childhood, he said. Social media, on the other hand, often “keeps them away from real friends and real experiences.”
It was not yet clear how access would be technically controlled. The obligation to check the minimum age of users should not fall on parents, but on tech companies and Internet platforms. There should be no penalties for users. In addition, platforms such as YouTube, for which registration is not required, are exempt from the rules, according to ABC.
The British government is also considering setting a minimum age of 16 for using social media. An age restriction like in Australia is being considered, the British Minister for Technology, Peter Kyle, recently said.
Social media platforms must set age restrictions in their terms of service. However, these are almost always under 16 years old – and usually even 13 years old. Verification is also very difficult.
In Germany there is no general, legally defined minimum age for social media users. Theoretically, the parents of young people under the age of 16 would have to agree to its use – but this is rarely verified, and birth dates can easily be falsified during registration.
How will the new social media regulations in Australia impact minors’ mental health and social development?
Interview Between the Editor of Time.news and a Social Media Policy Expert
Editor (E): Good afternoon! Today, we have an important discussion lined up about a groundbreaking decision made in Australia regarding social media access for minors. Joining me is Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in social media policy and child psychology. Dr. Carter, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Carter (C): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to delve into this significant topic.
E: Let’s get right to it. Australia has implemented a law banning access to social media for anyone under the age of 16. This is unprecedented worldwide. What was the driving force behind this decision, in your opinion?
C: This law addresses longstanding concerns about the effects of social media on young people. There have been numerous studies linking excessive social media use with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. By restricting access, lawmakers aim to protect children and encourage healthier habits.
E: The penalties for social media companies that fail to enforce this law could reach up to 50 million Australian dollars. Do you think this financial penalty will be effective in ensuring compliance?
C: Penalties can be effective in ensuring compliance, especially for companies like Instagram or TikTok, which have substantial revenue. However, the real challenge lies in how these platforms will implement age verification processes. There’s also the question of whether they will face backlash from users and advertisers as a result of these changes.
E: Critics have voiced concerns that this ban could isolate young people from the positive aspects of social media, such as community building and learning opportunities. What are your thoughts on this?
C: That’s a valid point. Social media does have positive attributes, such as connecting with peers and finding supportive communities. It’s crucial to consider how to strike a balance. Instead of an outright ban, perhaps a regulated approach could be more effective, implementing educational programs about safe social media use alongside age restrictions.
E: The law introduces a grace period for implementation over the next year. How do you think this time frame will affect both the companies and the young users?
C: The twelve-month period serves as a critical window for tech companies to adapt. It’s a chance for them to create robust verification systems and educate users about the changes. For young users, it could provide an opportunity to explore alternative hobbies and activities that might benefit their social and emotional development during the transition.
E: Reflecting on the global landscape, do you see other countries potentially following Australia’s lead, or do you think this approach will face too much resistance?
C: It’s hard to say definitively, but this could set a precedent. Countries grappling with similar issues may look to Australia for guidance. However, cultural differences and diverse views on freedom of expression may lead to varied responses. Some nations may advocate for such drastic measures, while others may opt for more lenient policies.
E: Before we wrap up, Dr. Carter, what do you believe is the most critical takeaway for parents and guardians as these regulations unfold?
C: I think it’s essential for parents to stay informed and engaged. Understanding the challenges young people face online and maintaining open dialogues about social media use can help. It’s about finding ways to support children in navigating these platforms while also respecting the new laws that may come into play.
E: Thank you so much, Dr. Carter. This has been an enlightening conversation about a crucial issue impacting youth today. We appreciate your insights!
C: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to discuss this important topic.