Meta, the parent company of Instagram, together with TikTok and Snapchat, has pledged to adhere to new Australian legislation that prohibits users under the age of 16 from accessing their social media platforms. This law is scheduled to take effect on December 10 and aims to enhance the protection of young users amidst escalating concerns regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health.
While the companies have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of this ban in safeguarding young individuals, they are dedicated to reaching out to over one million underage accounts identified on their platforms. This commitment marks a notable shift in the position of social media companies, which have previously contended that access restrictions could drive minors to less regulated sections of the internet, thus depriving them of crucial social interactions.
The new legislation requires online platforms to take “reasonable steps” to stop users under 16 from creating accounts and imposes potential fines of up to AUD $49.5 million (approximately USD $32.5 million) for non-compliance. Major social media players, including Meta, TikTok, and Snap, are gearing up to implement automated age verification systems to deactivate accounts as necessary.
Meta has stated plans to proactively contact around 450,000 underage users on its platforms, Instagram and Facebook, offering them the option to either delete their data or retain it until they reach the legal age. On the other hand, TikTok has identified about 200,000 underage accounts in Australia, while Snap reports around 440,000 users below the stipulated age.
This legislative move underscores a growing global emphasis on online safety for youth, resonating with countries grappling with similar issues surrounding children’s access to digital spaces. The proactive approach taken by Australia may motivate similar regulatory discussions in other nations, such as Fiji, where officials are considering methods to protect children online.
The collective compliance efforts of these influential tech companies signal an increasing awareness of the challenges posed by social media and highlight their commitment to prioritizing the safety of young people in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As the conversation around youth online safety progresses, it remains hopeful that sustained efforts will foster a safer virtual environment for future generations.