Background on the Australian Internet Regulation Pioneer
Australia, a leading advocate for internet regulation, has passed a groundbreaking law that prohibits social media platforms from being accessed by individuals under the age of 16. The law, set to take effect on December 10th, aims to protect minors from potential online harms. Despite some skepticism within the industry, major players like Meta and TikTok have committed to adhering to this legislation.
Key Players and Their Stance
Meta: As the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta has acknowledged the challenges ahead but pledged to remove hundreds of thousands of accounts belonging to users under 16 before the deadline.
TikTok: Ella Woods-Joyce, TikTok’s head of internal policy, affirmed the company’s commitment to comply with the law during a Senate hearing. She expressed concerns that such a ban might drive younger users to less regulated online spaces.
Industry Criticism and Concerns
The technology sector has largely criticized the law, labeling it as vague, problematic, and hastily implemented. YouTube, another popular website affected by the legislation, stated that although Canberra’s intentions are commendable, the text remains poorly designed.
In late September, Australia’s national regulator urged 16 other websites—including Twitch, WhatsApp (owned by Meta), Steam, and Roblox—to present their arguments against being impacted by the law.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this Australian law? The law aims to protect minors from potential online harms by prohibiting social media access for individuals under 16.
- Which companies have committed to comply with the law? Meta and TikTok have both pledged to adhere to the legislation.
- What concerns have been raised by the technology sector? Critics argue that the law is vague, problematic, and poorly designed. They also worry that such a ban might push younger users towards less regulated online spaces.
- How will the law be enforced? The law imposes hefty fines of up to $32 million on companies that violate its provisions. However, it does not require social media platforms to verify the age of all their users.
