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Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s about to come into effect

Summary
Millions of Australian children under the age of 16 are to lose access to their social media accounts when a world-first ban comes into force at midnight local time (13:00 GMT)

Platforms required to enforce the new legislation are: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube

While social media companies object, all apart from X have said they will comply

Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban - but companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$32m, £25m) for breaches

The ban is aimed at protecting young people from harmful content, online grooming, cyberbullying and "predatory algorithms", the government says

Critics have suggested it could isolate vulnerable teenagers and push children into unregulated corners of the internet


From midnight in Australia (13:00 GMT), new legislation will ban children under the age of 16 from having certain social media accounts.

Platforms falling within the legislation include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.

However, other sites such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and messaging apps like WhatsApp will still be available for young children to use.

It will be the role of social media companies to enforce the ban - and fines will be issued for those who breach the new law by not taking "reasonable steps" to ensure children can't access the sites.

The Australian government has said it will keep the list of affected platforms under review.


The Australian government's argument? 'We want our kids to have a childhood'

"We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs," Australian PM Anthony Albanese said just over a year ago when the new legislation passed the country's parliament.

The government commissioned a study earlier this year which found that 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 use social media - and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content, such as misogynistic and violent material as well as content promoting eating disorders and suicide.

Anika Wells, Australia’s communications minister, says she isn’t intimidated by technology firms pushing back against the nation’s unprecedented social media ban.

“Anyone who has multiple small children will know how to negotiate against powers that seem beyond your control,” she tells the BBC - adding that “countless” stories of parents whose children have suffered online have kept her going.

In about 40 minutes, new legislation is due to take effect in Australia which bans under-16s from using a host of social media platforms - including TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, X and Reddit.

The Australian government has labelled the move "world-leading". But the new law has also been criticised, both by tech companies and teens themselves.

It will fall to the relevant social media companies to enforce the new rules - those deemed as having failed to take "reasonable steps" to block underage access face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$33m, £25m).

The ban will be watched worldwide as other countries have also grappled with how to mitigate the potential harms of social media for young children.

As the ban takes effect, we'll be watching closely for reaction both within and outside of Australia. For now, we'll bring you up to speed on what you need to know.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy54q80gy9t

Anika Wells, Australia’s communications minister, says she isn’t intimidated by technology firms pushing back against the nation’s unprecedented social media ban.

The ban will be watched worldwide as other countries have also grappled with how to mitigate the potential harms of social media for young children.

Restriction of access to the social media is long overdue.

It should be extended to convicts and suspected cyberbullies too.

Social media companies cannot continue to push the social cost of their business model on the public for ever.

Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

They must have considered a lot of issues and factors before passing the law, which is very good in my opinion.

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

I think so, that would be the only means to dictate and ban them.
Everything is computerized, even with their pics they could still be ID'd.

Good riddance to bad rubbish

Na country wey get ehn priority straight go dey aim for this kin legislation

For here we we still dey battle insecurities

We nor dey see front at all.

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

Naija need BVN, NIN, Voter's Card to enforce this ban.

BTW see how easy this people dey solve issues.
We go pass bill for years

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

Yes, that's the only way the policies could be enforced. Nevertheless, minors will still have a way to bypass any restriction. They could be buying or getting accounts from other registered users across the globe.

BodePolScience:
Yes, that's the only way the policies could be enforced.

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

There are softwares and statutory periodic audit report filing by the social media companies charged to enforce the law.

Social media companies that flout the enforcement of the law will be sanctioned.

I heard of this to take place a month ago. What’s with the delay?

manuelkel:
I think so, that would be the only means to dictate and ban them.
Everything is computerized, even with their pics they could still be ID'd.

I guess they want to complicate things for themselves. How about the data breach from the social media companies? Or are they trusted to have made this law?

Seems like Nigeria supposed to emulate same

Can't happen in Nigeria, where even 16years is doing olosho

1-15 years are part of a human formative years the child needs to be protected at this time.

BodePolScience:
Yes, that's the only way the policies could be enforced. Nevertheless, minors will still have a way to bypass any restriction. They could be buying or getting accounts from other registered users across the globe.

No problem as long as they have the mulla

A very very good development

I support this ban. Nigeria shoukd take a cue from this and save the future generation from social media harm

Very Good
Vulnerable People need protection

Very very commendable. Highly recommended for reasonable countries. A right step in the right direction.

FreeStuffsNG:
Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s about to come into effect




https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy54q80gy9t

Honestly speaking, even here in Nigeria, we need this.
From my personally survey our teen here especially from low backgrounds have lost that purpose and vision to read or be that brilliant poor girls or Boyz.

They go every length to have data not minding sezx for data providers.

Going as far as injecting family planning tools into their body not to be pregnant.

Alot in happening honestly speaking..

In Nigeria if social media isn't regulated it will have a serious negative effect on our younger ones. Just look at how social media is abused in this country.

The disadvantages of social media outweighs the advantages by a very wide margin.

Anyway is all good

I salute Australian government for having courage to take this bold and necessary step.

FreeStuffsNG:
Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s about to come into effect




https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy54q80gy9t

good news ,we even need here in Nigeria,cos it's been misused

We need this in Nigeria, especially the rubbish going on on Tik Tok

FreeStuffsNG:
Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s about to come into effect




https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy54q80gy9t

This is Shari'a.

I don't have any more characters.

Common sense Revolution...

Do you know that the Telcos won't sell a Sim Card to anyone below 18 years even if you have NIN in place?

How then do this under 18 years kids get the sim they use to do all the stuff they do on Social Media?

Proud of you maits. Aussies, i love yall

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

No matter how great their wall is, youths will find a way around.

I won't be surprised if demand for VPN or proxies balloon. They will find a way.

In China where Facebook and YouTube are banned, some people still find a way.

helinues:
Are they going to request for id verification when registering for social media accounts?

No. When choosing a mobile provider/plan you get a SIM card and sign-up for a plan, you need a valid 🆔 for that and they already have you data too so