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Sydney, Australia – Meta is notifying Australian users under 16 to download their data before new age restrictions take effect on November 5, 2024.the move comes as Australia implements stringent new laws aimed at protecting children online, potentially impacting millions of young social media users.
The new legislation requires social media platforms to verify the ages of their users and obtain parental consent for those under 16. Platforms failing to adequately protect young children could face considerable fines - up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $32 million USD). This legislation represents a important shift in how social media is regulated in australia, prioritizing child safety and parental control.
Age Verification Challenges and Proposed Solutions
The Australian government has cautioned platforms against implementing overly broad solutions, such as demanding proof of age from all account holders. Officials believe platforms already possess sufficient data to identify and restrict access for young children. Terry Flew, co-director of Sydney University’s Center for AI, Trust and Governance, noted that facial-recognition technology, a potential verification method, has a failure rate of at least 5%.
meta’s vice president and global head of safety, Antigone Davis, advocates for a different approach.We believe a better approach is required: a standard, more accurate, and privacy-preserving system, such as OS/app store-level age verification,
Davis stated. Meta suggests app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play should handle age verification during sign-up, confirming users are at least 16 years old before granting access to platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Did You Know?
australia’s new social media age verification laws carry potential fines of up to $32 million USD for non-compliant platforms.
stakeholder Reactions and Concerns
Dany Elachi, founder of the parents’ group Heaps Up Alliance, which lobbied for the social media age restriction, expressed cautious optimism. While acknowledging some concerns with the legislation’s implementation, Elachi affirmed, the principle that children under the age of 16 are better off in the real world, that’s something we advocated for and are in favor of.
He urged parents to proactively engage with their children, helping them discover alternative activities to fill the time previously spent on social media.
Elachi also criticized the government’s delayed announcement of the complete list of platforms subject to the age restrictions, scheduled for release on November 5th.
Key dates and Platform Impact
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Legislation Passed | 2024/08/15 |
| Platform Notification Begins | 2024/10/25 |
| Age Restrictions Take Effect | 2024/11/05 |
| Potential Fine for Non-Compliance | Up to $32 million USD |
Pro Tip:
Parents can use this time to discuss online safety with their children and explore alternative hobbies and activities.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of these new regulations marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding children’s online safety.The effectiveness of the age verification methods and the platforms’ compliance will be closely monitored. The Australian experience may also serve as a model for other countries considering similar legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is the new social media law in Australia? The new law requires social media platforms to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent for those under 16.
When do the age restrictions take effect? The age restrictions will begin on November 5, 2024.
What will happen if platforms don’t comply? Platforms could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million USD).
What is Meta’s proposed solution? Meta suggests app stores verify user ages during sign-up.
How can parents prepare for these changes? Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and help them find alternative activities.
What are your thoughts on these new regulations? Do you think they will effectively protect children online? Share your opinions in the comments below!
