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Social media ban moves closer in Australia after tech trial

Economic Times

Economic Times · 26d ago

Social media ban moves closer in Australia after tech trial

Australia is progressing towards implementing a world-first law banning social media for under-16s, backed by a trial demonstrating technological feasibility in verifying users' ages. This move, opposed by major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Snap, aims to protect children online. The trial explored methods such as facial scans and user behavior analysis, finding no universal solution but concluding that age verification is practical. Digital platforms will face penalties for non-compliance.

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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 · 7m 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.

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

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m 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.

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

Economic Times

Economic Times · 4m 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 ditches plans to fine tech giants for misinformation

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m 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 wants to ban kids under 16 from social media as world governments seek to crack down on the 'addictive' apps

Business Insider

Business Insider · 8m 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 has barred everyone under 16 from social media. Will it work?

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m 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.

The 2006 Zuckerberg quote at the center of Meta's antitrust trial

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2m ago

The 2006 Zuckerberg quote at the center of Meta's antitrust trial

In the landmark antitrust trial against Meta, formerly Facebook, a pivotal question is whether social media is about real connections or broader interactions. The trial challenges Meta's dominance, scrutinizing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp for stifling competition. While Meta argues they compete with all social media, the FTC asserts it's only platforms connecting friends. Defining Meta's place in the social media landscape will significantly impact future tech market dynamics and antitrust enforcement.

Australia's teen social media ban faces a new wildcard: teenagers

Economic Times

Economic Times · 26d ago

Australia's teen social media ban faces a new wildcard: teenagers

Australia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media is facing skepticism due to teenagers' tech savviness potentially circumventing age verification methods. The trial involved testing various age-checking tools with mixed results. Critics, including tech firms and child protection advocates, question its effectiveness. From December, platforms face hefty fines if they fail to block underaged users. Globally, other nations are observing Australia’s approach as they consider similar regulations to protect young users’ mental and physical health.

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

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m 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's social media ban for under 16s divides opinion, draws Big Tech flak

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m ago

Australia's social media ban for under 16s divides opinion, draws Big Tech flak

Australia has introduced a law banning social media use for children under 16, which has sparked a mix of anger and relief among Australians. The government claims the law is aimed at safeguarding minors, but tech giants like TikTok argue it could push young users to darker parts of the internet. The legislation sets a global benchmark as one of the strictest regulations targeting major tech companies. Under the law, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok must block minors from logging in or face significant penalties. The ban will come into full effect by November 2025.

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