URGENT UPDATE: Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban for users under 16 years old is facing significant challenges just four weeks before it takes effect on December 10, 2023. Senior Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh warns that unclear age verification methods could jeopardize the effectiveness of this world-first legislation.
Starting in December, several major platforms—including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick—will implement age restrictions, leading to deactivation or deletion of accounts for users under 16. “It is extraordinary that a year on from the social media age minimum being legislated, the Albanese Labor Government is still scrambling over the details,” McIntosh stated.
Concerns focus on whether platforms can require users to submit digital identification for age verification, as the law prohibits mandatory use of government IDs. Instead, companies must take “reasonable steps” to ensure compliance. The eSafety website outlines alternative methods for age assessment, including analyzing interaction history, language patterns, and location data.
At a press conference, Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that the new laws aim to protect young Australians by providing them up to 36 months to develop resilience before engaging with social media. Meanwhile, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant described the list of restricted platforms as “dynamic,” indicating ongoing assessments will occur post-December 10.
McIntosh expressed further dismay over the lack of a robust public education campaign, stating, “The details really matter, and the Minister should be focused on those first and foremost.” With the countdown underway, she highlighted the urgency of clarifying the impending changes.
In response to these concerns, the government launched a national campaign titled ‘For The Good Of’ to educate parents and children about the new legislation. Since its inception, over 200,000 Australians have visited the eSafety website for information. Minister Wells noted, “We are heartened to see hundreds of thousands of Australians engaging in our education resources.”
As the deadline approaches, families are urged to discuss what the law means for their under-16s, addressing any concerns they may have. Wells added, “Now is the time for people with under-16s in their lives to start having conversations about what the new law means for them.” She also advised young users to prepare for the possibility of account deactivation by backing up their content.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the government’s next steps to ensure clarity and effectiveness in this landmark policy. The urgency for immediate action and transparency has never been more critical as Australia prepares for this significant change in social media engagement for its youth.
