Tech companies could be fined up to $32 million for violations
Australia will be the first country in the world to prohibit the use of social networks among minors under 16 years of age, reported the Spanish newspaper El Periódico.
After months of a hectic national debate, the Australian Senate definitively approved this Thursday a strict bill that will force platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter or Snapchat to prevent young people from creating accounts to access their services.
If they do not adopt “reasonable measures” to prevent this use, they will face fines of up to $32.5 million. There will be no sanctions for children and parents who break the rules.
With this measure, which will not come into force for another 12 months, Australia seeks to limit the impact on mental health of digital services from large technology companies.
“This is about protecting young people, not punishing or isolating them,” said the Minister of Communications, Michelle Rowland, denouncing that these platforms expose users to extreme content ranging from violence to eating disorders.
The center-left government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and part of the opposition have given the green light to a legislative project that has broad support among citizens. Up to 77% of the Australian population views it favorably, according to a recent YouGov poll.
However, the law has also sparked rejection and outrage from technology giants, privacy experts and human rights groups.
This unusual alliance, which in the lower house has brought together conservative, environmentalist and independent deputies, is due to the fact that the text leaves many questions unanswered. Legislators have indicated that these doubts will be resolved over the next year.
The law approved this Thursday does not specify which platforms will be affected by the ban, but in recent months the Government has identified TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X and Reddit as main candidates. However, it is not expected to apply to instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, “online gaming services” or other platforms such as YouTube, whose version for minors is widely used for educational purposes in the country’s schools.
Another question to be resolved is how the law will be applied without violating the privacy of users.
The project establishes that technology companies must take “reasonable measures” to prevent minors from creating an account, but it does not specify what method must be adopted, a decision that may vary on each platform. “We have no guidance from the Australian government on what are the correct methods that a whole range of services will have to employ,” lamented Sunita Bose, CEO of the Digital Industry Group, a group that represents several of the Big Tech companies, in statements to the Reuters agency.
Although defenders of this measure have promised that it will limit the harm suffered by minors, academics, digital experts and human rights groups have warned that it could alienate vulnerable young people—from immigrants to members of the LGBTQ+ community—from their social networks. support and limit their ability to participate in society.
The law could also complicate the relationship between Australia and the United States, its great ally.
On the one hand, because the ocean giant has imposed measures that harm large technology companies – most of them American – such as the pioneering regulation that forces them to pay the media to share their content.
On the other hand, because the political action of Donald Trump’s presidency may be influenced by his closeness to technology magnate Elon Musk, owner of the Australians.”
## Expert Interview: Australia Leads the Charge on Social Media Age Restrictions
**World Today News Exclusive**
Australia has taken a bold step, becoming the first nation to ban social media use for minors under 16. This landmark legislation has sparked global conversation about the impact of social media on young minds. To shed light on this game-changing decision, we sat down with dr. Amelia Brooks, a leading expert in adolescent psychology adn online safety.
**WTN:** Dr. brooks, Australia’s move to ban social media for users under 16 is undoubtedly groundbreaking. Can you elaborate on the reasoning behind this decision and its potential impact?
**Dr. Brooks:** This legislation reflects a growing concern about the detrimental effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Research increasingly shows a strong correlation between excessive social media use and increased anxiety, depression, body image issues, and cyberbullying among young people. This ban aims to create a safer online habitat for children and adolescents, allowing them crucial time for offline development and real-world interactions.
**WTN:** While the intention seems noble, some argue that such a ban infringes on teenagers’ freedoms and could even drive them to less safe platforms. What are your thoughts on these concerns?
**Dr. Brooks:** It’s a valid concern.Striking a balance between protection and freedom is crucial. However, this legislation doesn’t aim to wholly isolate teenagers but to encourage responsible usage and protect them from the most harmful aspects of these platforms.
It’s also significant to remember that manny online spaces pose risks to young people, not just mainstream social media platforms. This ban could encourage parents and educators to have open conversations with teenagers about digital safety and responsible online behaviour, nonetheless of the platform.
**WTN:** The hefty fines imposed on tech companies – up to $32.5 million – are significant.
What message does this send to platform providers?
**dr. Brooks:** This sends a strong message that governments are serious about holding tech companies accountable for their impact on young people. It encourages them to prioritize child safety by implementing robust age verification systems and proactive content moderation. This could lead to a shift in industry practices, with platforms investing more resources in protecting minors.
**WTN:**
Do you see other countries following Australia’s lead?
**Dr. Brooks:** Absolutely. This legislation sets a precedent. Several countries are already exploring similar policies, and the international conversation surrounding online child protection is gaining momentum.
Australia’s move is a wake-up call, highlighting the urgency of addressing the ethical and social implications of technology on young minds. I anticipate this will spark further debate and policy changes globally.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Brooks, for sharing your valuable insights. This is undoubtedly a complex issue with far-reaching implications. Only time will tell what the long-term impact of Australia’s bold move will be.
