Meta to Remove Australians Under 16 from Instagram, Facebook
Meta Platforms has announced that it will restrict access to Facebook and Instagram for Australians under 16 years old starting December 4. This decision comes as Australia prepares to enforce a comprehensive new law related to social media usage by minors. The law has raised concerns among young Australians and advocacy groups about its implications.
Details of the New Social Media Ban
The Australian government’s legislation aims to shield minors from inappropriate online content. Companies that violate this rule could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian Dollars (approximately US$32 million). Meta plans to begin this process by notifying users aged 13-15 that they will lose access to platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Meta will start revoking access from December 4, 2023.
- All users under 16 are expected to be removed by December 10, 2023.
- Approximately 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users fall into the 13-15 age category in Australia.
Impact on Youth Communication and Information Access
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential effects of this ban on young people’s mental health and their access to critical information. Leo Puglisi, an 18-year-old journalist and founder of the youth news service 6 News Australia, highlighted that many young users rely on social media for news and political insights.
“We’re saying that a 15-year-old can’t access any news or political information on social media. I just don’t think that adds up,” Puglisi stated during a senate inquiry.
Concerns from Advocates and Politicians
Australian Senator David Shoebridge voiced worries that an estimated 2.4 million young people would find themselves locked out of social media accounts just as school holidays begin. He noted the potential negative impact on mental health and privacy.
John Pane from Electronic Frontiers Australia expressed apprehension that while the ban aims to prevent youth exposure to unsuitable content, it introduces significant risks surrounding personal data collection. Since many individuals under 16 lack government-issued IDs, social media platforms may require video verification for age checks.
International Context
The Australian initiative has garnered international attention, with other countries considering similar legislative measures. For instance, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a similar bill. Indonesia is also drafting legislation to protect minors from various online dangers. Meanwhile, the Dutch government has suggested that parents restrict social media access for children under 15.
This growing trend underscores a global shift towards stricter regulations on social media usage for youth, highlighting the importance of balancing digital safety with access to information in the modern age.
