Meta Platforms Inc. plans to prohibit social media use for Australians younger than 16. The rule, published September 11, goes into effect December 10. Unsurprisingly, this decision has greatly alarmed parents and teenagers alike. It’s projected to impact nearly 150,000 Facebook users and roughly 350,000 Instagram accounts across the country.
The new legislation will have an impact on many young Australians who are using social media at a rapidly increasing rate. According to recent research conducted by Roy Morgan, about 624,000 Australians aged 14 and 15 utilize at least one social media platform. Snapchat is now the platform most used by teens, with an impressive 87% of teens using it. Facebook is a close second at 81%, and Instagram comes in a strong third at 78%.
Meta has begun informing users between 13 to 15 years old about shutting down their accounts. This action is the first new enforcement measure of its kind. According to a Meta spokesperson, the users mostly impacted by the ban will be those under 16 years old. They acknowledged that exceptions could be made for young people spending more time in Australia.
“However, if they stay in Australia for an extended period, such as long study periods, then our age assurance measures will take effect,” – Meta spokesperson
The spokesperson was very specific to state that these users would continue to be treated as residents of Australia. Further, while they are in the country, Australian laws will apply to them.
Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan, responding to the broader implications of the new legislation said to define public for the purpose of public research. She referred to social media as having become “pervasively entrenched into the everyday life of Australian teens.” Levine noted that the forthcoming ban would have a national impact.
“The new legislation to ban social media for Australians under 16, set to be enforced from next week, will affect almost every 14 to 15-year-old in the country.” – Michele Levine
The eSafety commissioner has offered their guidance. They argue for the need to offer transparency safeguards for users who may be inappropriately restricted by age verification measures.
“Platforms should also provide clear ways for people to request a review if they have been age-restricted by mistake,” – eSafety commissioner spokesperson
Age checks will be essential in enforcing the ban. According to the eSafety commissioner’s office, age checks will be crucial for enforcing the ban. Second, they threatened to deactivate or delete accounts. This will be the case if platforms are able to determine that users are spending extended amounts of time in Australia.
“Age checks, deactivation or removal if platforms receive signals indicating they are in Australia for a significant period of time or indefinitely,” – eSafety commissioner spokesperson
With the December deadline looming, hundreds of thousands of parents all over Australia are understandably worried. Teenagers, too, are left to handle the shockwaves of this ban on their own. Social media is a vital tool for young people to connect and communicate. This new reliance opens up new questions around equity and how to balance safety needs with access to digital platforms when implementing enforcement.
