Australia’s landmark social media ban for under-16s has faced pushback from major tech companies, the nation’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has said. She noted that social media firms have entered the new regulatory system reluctantly, describing it as “kicking and screaming.”
Protecting Children Online
The law, introduced in December, requires platforms to block users under 16 from creating accounts. The move aims to shield young users from harmful content and addictive algorithms on popular apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X.
Campaigners and the government argue the ban is necessary to protect children. Some tech companies, including Meta, agree that more safety measures are needed online but oppose a blanket age restriction. Despite objections, the Australian government reported that 4.7 million accounts belonging to children have already been deactivated.
Tech Companies’ Reluctance
Inman Grant told the BBC that children are an “incredibly lucrative” market for platforms originally designed for adults. “They’re building a pipeline for the future and don’t want this to be the first domino,” she said, highlighting the companies’ limited motivation to fully comply.
The law imposes fines of up to A$49.5 million for platforms failing to take reasonable steps to block minors. Inman Grant said a second round of notices will target platforms like Snapchat, which has shown compliance weaknesses.
Monitoring Behavioural Changes
One concern was that children might migrate to other platforms after the ban. While there was an initial spike in downloads of other apps, data suggests no long-term increase in usage. Another worry was that kids could bypass age checks, but regulators are monitoring these issues carefully.
Inman Grant emphasized that while the policy is exceeding expectations, authorities will continue taking a dynamic approach to ensure children’s safety online.
Global Cooperation Against Harmful Content
Australia is working with countries such as the UK to combat online exposure to violent or extremist content. She cited the case of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who accessed violent footage on X before committing an attack, as an example of the dangers of unrestricted access.
The World’s Strictest Policy
Australia is the first country to enforce such a ban without parental exemptions and with a higher age limit of 16. Ten platforms are affected, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. Currently, dating sites, gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord, and AI chatbots are not included.
Platforms have pushed back, with Meta proposing age verification at the app store level and parental exemptions. Reddit has complied but also challenged the ban in the country’s highest court, citing privacy and political rights concerns.
Communications Minister Anika Wells affirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban, saying, “We will not be intimidated by big tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we will stand firm.”
