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After Australia legislated a teen social media ban, it has to figure out how to enforce it

Economic Times

Economic Times · 9m ago

After Australia legislated a teen social media ban, it has to figure out how to enforce it

Software testers hired by the Australian government to enforce a national teen social media ban will draw on their experience as parents to guide their study. The trial will involve approximately 1,200 randomly selected Australians and will test age-checking technology. The results of the trial, expected by mid-2025, will provide recommendations on reasonable steps tech platforms can take to prevent users under 16 from accessing social media. The approach taken by Australia could influence how other countries approach online age checks. The ban is driven by concerns about youth mental health and data collection.

Related News

Australian social media ban started with call to act by politican's wife

Economic Times

Economic Times · 9m ago

Australian social media ban started with call to act by politican's wife

Frances Haugen's revelations about social media's impact on mental health, along with a book by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, prompted Australia's second-smallest state, South Australia, to take action against social media addiction in youths. South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas introduced a ban for social media use for those under 16, which quickly gained support and led to a nationwide ban. The move reflects the growing concern over the effects of social media on teenagers' mental health, and the legislation is seen as a milestone in addressing this issue globally. The ban will take effect one year after its passing.

Social media ban for children younger than 16 introduced in Australia's Parliament

Economic Times

Economic Times · 9m ago

Social media ban for children younger than 16 introduced in Australia's Parliament

Australia's communications minister has proposed a new law that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram. The aim is to safeguard children from harmful content. Platforms that fail to enforce this age restriction could be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars. The bill has received widespread political support. However, critics argue that the ban could isolate teenagers from their existing online networks. In addition to the social media ban, Australia is also exploring ways to prevent minors from accessing online pornography.

Australia has barred everyone under 16 from social media. Will it work?

Economic Times

Economic Times · 9m ago

Australia has barred everyone under 16 from social media. Will it work?

Australia has passed a sweeping ban on social media for children under 16, making it one of the most comprehensive measures worldwide to protect young people online. The law puts the responsibility on social media platforms to prevent anyone under 16 from having an account, with potential fines for corporations failing to comply. However, the details of enforcement and which platforms will be covered remain unclear. Critics argue that the ban may not effectively counteract the dangers of harmful content, while supporters believe it will help change social media usage norms among parents and children.

Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows

Economic Times

Economic Times · 6m ago

Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows

A report by Australia's online safety regulator revealed that children in Australia are easily bypassing age limits set by social media platforms, despite an upcoming government ban for users under 16. The study found 80% of children aged eight to 12 use social media, with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being most popular. Social media companies primarily rely on self-declared ages, posing challenges for enforcing age restrictions ahead of the 2025 ban.

Australia revokes exemption to add YouTube to teen social media ban - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

Australia revokes exemption to add YouTube to teen social media ban - The Economic Times

Australia has included YouTube in its social media ban for teenagers, previously exempting the site due to its educational use. The move addresses concerns over harmful content encountered by minors, sparking potential legal challenges from YouTube’s parent company, Alphabet. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized protecting children from negative online impacts. YouTube disputes its classification as social media, highlighting its video-sharing nature. The ban, effective December, aims to enhance online safety for Australian children.

Australia wants to ban kids under 16 from social media as world governments seek to crack down on the 'addictive' apps

Business Insider

Business Insider · 9m ago

Australia wants to ban kids under 16 from social media as world governments seek to crack down on the 'addictive' apps

Australia is proposing a ban on social media for individuals under 16, aiming to address the harmful impact of social media on children. The law would require social media companies to prevent minors from accessing their platforms, with a 12-month grace period for compliance. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the proposed legislation puts the onus on social media companies rather than parents, emphasizing the need to protect children from the negative effects of social media. This announcement follows similar measures taken in the US and UK, as concerns of social media addiction and its impact on mental health continue to grow. However, critics argue that the ban may be too broad and could impede access to critical services for young people.

Australia ditches plans to fine tech giants for misinformation

Economic Times

Economic Times · 9m ago

Australia ditches plans to fine tech giants for misinformation

Australia has abandoned plans to impose fines on social media companies for failing to combat the spread of misinformation. The country's communications minister, Michelle Rowland, announced that the proposed legislation, which included the power to fine tech companies up to 5% of their annual turnover for breaching online safety obligations, has been dropped due to opposition in the senate. The bill had faced criticism from figures such as Elon Musk, who likened the Australian government to "fascists". As part of its efforts to regulate tech giants, Australia is also set to introduce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, with potential fines of over $30 million for non-compliance.

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere - or even there?

Economic Times

Economic Times · 8m ago

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere - or even there?

Australia has passed a law that aims to keep children off social media until they turn 16, becoming one of the first countries to enforce such a restriction. The law holds platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram responsible for preventing children under 16 from holding accounts, with fines of up to $33 million for non-compliance. While the move has been applauded by some child safety advocates, critics argue that it limits free expression and raises concerns about privacy and enforcement. Other countries, including Norway and France, are also considering similar restrictions.

Instagram makes teen accounts private as pressure mounts on the app to protect children

Economic Times

Economic Times · 11m ago

Instagram makes teen accounts private as pressure mounts on the app to protect children

Instagram is defaulting teen accounts to private in an effort to enhance safety for young users. The change will roll out in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, with the EU to follow later this year. Teens will receive notifications after 60 minutes of app usage and a sleep mode will be activated from 10 PM to 7 AM. While these settings will be enabled for all teens, 16 and 17-year-olds will have the option to turn them off. The renewed focus on teen safety is a response to concerns over inappropriate content, unwanted contact, and excessive app use.

Elon Musk ban on remote work at X beats disability bias claim for now

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Elon Musk ban on remote work at X beats disability bias claim for now

A federal judge in California dismissed a lawsuit alleging that workers with disabilities were forced out of social media platform X after Elon Musk took over and implemented a ban on remote work. The judge stated that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate how Musk's mandate specifically impacted disabled employees. The plaintiff has been given four weeks to amend the lawsuit with more detailed claims. The lawsuit is one of several filed by former employees following Musk's acquisition of the company, accusing X of various wrongdoings including lack of notice for layoffs and gender and age discrimination.

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