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Aussie Kids Kicked Off Social Media Dec 10
20 Nov
Summary
- Australians under 16 will be banned from major social media platforms.
- The ban commences on December 10, impacting platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- This measure is part of the government's amended Online Safety Act.
Starting December 10, young Australians under 16 will face a ban from numerous social media platforms. Major tech companies like Meta have begun notifying users, with account restrictions starting from December 4. This widespread digital disconnection affects platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Snapchat, as part of new governmental regulations.
The new legislation, an amendment to the Online Safety Act, aims to enhance child protection against online harms. While platforms will deactivate or delete accounts for users under 16, some exceptions like Facebook Messenger are expected. Meta has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of a blanket ban and suggested alternative age verification methods.
Impacted teens are advised to download their data before their accounts become inaccessible. Those who are mistakenly blocked and are over 16 can use third-party apps for age verification. Critics point to potential loopholes, questioning what constitutes 'social media' and highlighting inconsistent protections across different apps.
