Australia is taking a stand: Social media platforms like Reddit and Kick are now required to ban users under 16! This bold move by the Australian government aims to protect young people from the potential harms of social media. But what does this mean, and how will it impact the online landscape? Let's dive in.
On December 10th, a new mandate will come into effect, targeting eight major platforms. The Federal Communications Minister, Anika Wells, announced that Reddit and the video streaming platform Kick will join the likes of Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok in restricting access for users under the age of 16.
This initiative isn't just a whim; it's the result of careful consideration by Australia’s eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. She assessed the platforms and determined they should be the initial focus of this youth-focused ban. Companies that fail to comply could face hefty fines of up to $49.5 million. The government also hasn't ruled out expanding the list in the future.
Minister Wells emphasized the core concern: “There’s a time and place for social media in Australia, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms, harmful content and toxic popularity [meters] manipulating Australian children.” She added, “Online platforms can target children with chilling control. We are mandating they use that sophisticated technology to protect them.”
But here's where it gets controversial... The eSafety commissioner had contacted 16 different companies to assess their compliance. While platforms like Discord, GitHub, Roblox, and Twitch were contacted, they weren't initially named in the ban.
Reddit stands out as the only forum-style site included. Kick, a platform similar to Twitch, was added after the tragic death of a user who was streaming on the platform. Kick has stated they will cooperate with authorities and are reviewing their content.
What about the big players? TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta have said they will comply, despite disagreeing with the policy. YouTube, however, is still deciding whether to comply, even though they disagree with the ban. Elon Musk’s X platform has also expressed its opposition.
Discord's situation is particularly interesting. Despite implementing age assurance for Australian users, a recent data breach exposed the personal information of about 70,000 users, including some who had provided proof of age. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner revealed that over 68,000 of these users were in Australia.
And this is the part most people miss... Commissioner Inman Grant has stated that the notorious site 4chan won't be included in the ban, as it's considered an image board rather than a platform with a significant presence of young users. However, 4chan will be required to comply with other codes coming into effect, including age assurance for sites hosting violent and adult content. Twitch is still under assessment, while Roblox is implementing new age assurance features.
This ban raises some important questions:
- Will these measures effectively protect young Australians?
- Will other countries follow suit?
- How will platforms verify ages and enforce these restrictions?
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the ban? Share your opinions in the comments below!
