Post by : Meena Ariff

Meta has commenced the process of removing users below the age of 16 from its platforms in Australia, just days before the country’s unprecedented nationwide social media ban officially takes effect. The tech giant had already warned users aged 13 to 15 that their accounts would begin to be deactivated starting December 4, impacting approximately 150,000 Facebook accounts alongside 350,000 Instagram profiles. Threads, requiring Instagram logins, will similarly be affected.

Set to begin on December 10, Australia’s ban is the first of its kind in the world. Social media firms risk fines up to A$49.5 million should they fail to implement adequate measures to prevent under-16s from accessing their services.

According to a Meta representative, compliance will be “ongoing and multifaceted.” They also suggested that a universal age verification system via app stores would offer a more uniform and privacy-friendly alternative to individual app checks. Teens labeled as underage will have the opportunity to download their content, including posts and messages, prior to account deactivation. Those who feel they were wrongly flagged may appeal by submitting a video selfie or official ID.

The ban will affect Meta’s three platforms as well as others like YouTube, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. The government aims to protect minors from negative online experiences ranging from violent content to cyberbullying and posts advocating self-harm or eating disorders. However, critics voice concerns that pushing teenagers away from mainstream networks may lead them towards less regulated environments.

Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged potential initial hurdles in implementing the ban but highlighted the necessity of safeguarding Generation Alpha and future users from social media's addictive nature. She criticized the algorithmic design of these platforms, likening it to a “dopamine drip” that children encounter as soon as they start using smartphones.

A recent government-commissioned report revealed that a staggering 96% of Australian children aged 10 to 15 engage with social media, with seven in ten reporting exposure to harmful material and more than half indicating experiences of cyberbullying.

#Technology #World News