Digital media researchers indicate that online video games may soon find themselves under the purview of Australia’s federal government social media ban aimed at users under 16. Currently, the ban excludes services that “have the sole or primary purpose of enabling end-users to play online games with other end-users.” However, associate professor Brendan Keogh from the Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre voices concerns over the ambiguous nature of the definitions within the legislation.
Keogh highlights that the language surrounding what constitutes an exclusion from the ban is “incredibly vague,” sparking questions about how much flexibility ministers might have in interpreting these definitions. This uncertainty raises alarms in the video game industry regarding the permanence of the current exemption for online gaming.
The social media ban, as announced previously, aims to protect children from potential harm found on various platforms such as YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram. Recent changes have also considered broader implications for platforms deemed interactive, which may soon include video games as a part of the regulatory framework.
Such discussions form part of a larger global movement toward enhancing online safety for younger users, as seen in similar legislative efforts in other countries like Fiji and New Zealand. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister has already expressed interest in adopting the Australian model, highlighting an emerging trend where governments are increasingly aware of the necessity to safeguard children in a digital age marked by rapid technological advancements.
This ongoing dialogue around online safety raises hope for an effective regulatory environment that balances children’s well-being with technological access, emphasizing the important role of both government initiatives and parental involvement in fostering a safer digital landscape.