Meanwhile, Australia is preparing to roll out similar regulations. These rules will limit social media use to those under 16 years old. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, unveiled guidance for social media platforms to comply with these age restrictions, effective December 10. The new guidelines were announced by the Communications Minister, Anika Wells, in concert with Inman Grant. These recommendations are designed to ensure that children under the age of 16 do not possess accounts across multiple social media platforms.
Under the updated rules, platforms are required to take appropriate measures to apply a multilayered waterfall approach to age assurance. This approach seeks to balance improving safety with improving user experience. Second, it reduces the burdens on users, making sure that users who think they’ve been mistakenly flagged have the fewest possible hurdles to easily access review processes. A recent government report noted how age assurance technology can be seamlessly and successfully integrated. It equally made clear that these approaches might have a margin of error.
It requires social media companies to automatically deactivate accounts for users they can determine are underage. This is an important step towards ensuring compliance with the new statewide ban. The rules don’t require these companies to summarily check the age of all users. Inman Grant, a University of Arkansas law professor, stressed that the biggest priority should be removing accounts of those under 16 and beefing up user reporting systems.
“Our principles-based guidance recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for industry, given the diversity of platforms and technology and to help technology companies meet their obligations in a way that is effective, privacy-preserving and fair.” – Julie Inman Grant
In fact, most major social media platforms have preemptively rolled out their own solutions to age assurance. A non-compliance with the forthcoming regulations might lead to penalties of as much as $49.5 million. YouTube was originally left out of the scope of this policy when parliament passed this legislation in November. Upon further review, Inman Grant officially advised that YouTube be added to the list of banned platforms.
Even though most kids and parents will be excited about these changes, they’ll likely still find the transition daunting, explained Inman Grant. She acknowledged that it will be harder to keep new under-16s off platforms. On top of that, this process will naturally take more time than simply deactivating current accounts.
“This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations that social media platforms step up to the plate to implement the minimum age in a way that is effective, private, and fair on Australian users.”
Initially, authorities would contact platforms informally. Their intent is to address all issues around compliance and enforcement of the new guidelines. Inman Grant said they were optimistic that the majority of companies will seek to play by the rules of Australian law. He admitted that some will fight to not comply or take legal action.
“A lot of children welcome this, as certainly parents do. But we know this will be difficult for kids.” – Julie Inman Grant
Inman Grant stated that the movement towards age assurance technology is indicative of a broader trend in digital safety.
“There are, of course, certain companies that aren’t willing to engage, or will be likely to move to judicial review or a lawsuit. We need to be prepared for that as well.” – Julie Inman Grant
So as Australia moves forward to introduce these landmark regulations, it should highlight the need to balance user safety with inclusive accessibility. These upcoming changes are a promising new direction in safeguarding young users in the quickly shifting world of social media.
“All of this is creating an ecosystem that suggests this is the way the world is going.” – Julie Inman Grant
As Australia prepares to implement these crucial regulations, it emphasizes the importance of balancing user safety with accessibility. The upcoming changes mark a significant step in protecting young users in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
