Digital media researchers have raised concerns that online video games may soon fall under Australia’s federal government ban on social media usage for users under 16. This ban currently exempts services that primarily serve to connect users for online gaming. However, Brendan Keogh, an associate professor at the Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre, has voiced worries about the vague terminology in the legislation.
Keogh points out that the definitions within the law are “incredibly vague,” fostering uncertainty about the extent of the flexibility ministers might have in interpreting these terms. This ambiguity has alarmed the video game industry, as it brings into question the future of the existing exemption for online gaming.
The social media ban, previously announced, aims to shield children from potential dangers on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram. Recent discussions also hint at extending regulatory frameworks to include platforms that are interactive, potentially bringing video games into the fold.
This conversation is part of a broader global initiative aimed at improving online safety for children, echoing similar legislative actions in countries like Fiji and New Zealand. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister has already shown interest in modeling their regulations after Australia, indicating a growing recognition among governments regarding the need to protect children in a digital landscape that continuously evolves.
The ramifications of these potential regulations present a hopeful opportunity for creating a safe and secure online environment while ensuring that children can still engage with the technological advancements available to them. The collaboration between government policy and parental engagement could pave the way for a healthier digital space for future generations.