Post by : Badri Ariffin

Australia has taken a major step forward in enhancing online safety, with Meta announcing the removal of users younger than 16 from Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. This initiative is in anticipation of a groundbreaking youth social media ban set to come into effect on December 10.

According to the new law, platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are mandated to prevent access to underage users or face steep fines of up to AUS$49.5 million. This change is aimed at safeguarding young individuals from detrimental content and minimizing the addictive nature of algorithm-generated feeds.

Meta has committed to identifying and deleting accounts thought to belong to users under 16 before the impending deadline. Those affected will have the option to download their data, and their accounts will be reactivated in their original state once they reach 16.

This change is projected to impact hundreds of thousands of youth in Australia, with Instagram alone estimating nearly 350,000 users aged 13 to 15. Some services, like Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, are currently not included in this regulation, though this list is under consideration.

Meta has expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the law, suggesting that age verification should primarily be the responsibility of app stores to avoid the need for teenagers to provide age proof across various platforms. YouTube has also voiced apprehensions, indicating that the new rules could inadvertently jeopardize teen safety by limiting the benefits associated with logged-in accounts.

The Australian government has countered these objections, stating that platforms need to bolster their own protective measures. Officials assert that harmful online behaviors have already impacted vulnerable youth, making the new regulations a vital evolution in digital security.

In the coming weeks, the efficacy of these landmark regulations will be assessed. Authorities expect teenagers to seek out loopholes, including using false IDs and AI-modified images, but they emphasize that no system will be flawless. As the global spotlight shines on Australia's pioneering initiative, other countries like Malaysia and New Zealand are also considering similar restrictions, indicating a significant reevaluation of youth access to social media.

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