How many Australian accounts has Snapchat blocked under the under-16 ban?

Snapchat has blocked 415,000 Australian accounts as part of the social media ban for under-16s.

What are the penalties for platforms failing to comply with Australia's social media ban?

Platforms face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to block underage users.

What does Snapchat suggest for improving age restriction enforcement in Australia?

Snapchat has urged Australian authorities to require app stores to verify user ages before downloads.

Home / Technology / Snapchat Blocks 415k Accounts in Australia

Snapchat Blocks 415k Accounts in Australia

2 Feb

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Summary

Snapchat blocked 415,000 Australian accounts under the under-16 social media ban.
The company suggested app stores verify user ages for better age restriction enforcement.
Australia's law fines platforms up to Aus$49.5 million for failing to block underage users.

Snapchat Blocks 415k Accounts in Australia

Snapchat has reported blocking 415,000 accounts in Australia since the implementation of the social media ban for users under 16. This measure is part of a broader crackdown by the Australian government, which came into effect on December 10. Platforms are required to prevent underage users from holding accounts, with potential fines of up to Aus$49.5 million for non-compliance.

While Snapchat is actively blocking accounts, the company has highlighted potential loopholes in age verification technology. They suggest that app stores should implement mandatory age checks for downloads as a more robust safeguard. Snapchat argues that an outright ban is not the optimal approach, particularly for a platform primarily used for connecting with friends and family.