Social media companies have agreed to participate in an inquiry regarding the ban on users under the age of 16, avoiding the need for formal subpoenas. Executives from TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will provide their insights on the implementation of this age restriction during a hearing scheduled for December 10, 2023. The inquiry is a response to growing concerns over online safety for children.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, a member of the Australian Greens party, had previously indicated that she would compel these executives to appear after they missed a prior hearing. Their decision to testify voluntarily signifies the increasing scrutiny these platforms are facing in relation to child safety online.
The new regulations will prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with specific exceptions for health and education-related services, including WhatsApp and Messenger Kids. Although gaming platforms were considered for exemptions, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the list of banned platforms will be “dynamic” and subject to ongoing review.
Under the law, social media companies are required to “detect and deactivate or remove” the accounts of underage users. This means that approximately 1.5 million accounts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, and X will need to be deactivated within a two-month window following the implementation of the ban.
Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Google has expressed concerns about the enforcement of the ban, particularly regarding the lack of clarity surrounding age verification systems. Fines for non-compliance could reach up to $50 million AUD, but there will be no penalties for minors or their families if they manage to access the platforms despite the restrictions.
Meetings have taken place between representatives from the tech companies, Julie Inman Grant, and Communications Minister Anika Wells to discuss their responsibilities in relation to the new regulations. As scrutiny continues to mount on how these platforms will ensure compliance, the inquiry aims to clarify expectations and improve safety for young users across social media.
