Australia to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16, Including Reddit and TikTok:

Australia is set to implement a sweeping social media ban for children under 16, which will come into effect on December 10. The new rules, announced by Communications Minister Anika Wells, will restrict access to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Threads, as well as Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick. The move comes as part of the country’s landmark online safety legislation passed last November, which aims to protect young users from harmful online content and manipulative algorithms. “Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are merely asking that they use that same technology to keep children safe online,” Wells said. She added, “We want children to have a childhood, and we want parents to have peace of mind.” The legislation gives platforms 12 months to prepare for the restrictions. While initial discussions focused on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube, the list has since expanded to include additional sites. Wells also noted that the list of restricted platforms could continue to evolve. Evaluating the Impact on Children Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that the ban is designed to delay children’s exposure to potentially harmful digital environments. “Delaying children’s access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll,” she said. Inman Grant will collaborate with academics to assess the ban’s impact, including potential improvements in children’s sleep, physical activity, and social interactions. She also highlighted the importance of monitoring unintended consequences, with the aim of providing evidence for other countries considering similar measures. Challenges and Enforcement Critics have questioned how the age restrictions will be enforced, as users cannot be compelled to provide government identification for verification. Discussions are ongoing with platforms to ensure compliance, with potential civil fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (US$32.1 million) for non-compliance. International Concerns Around TikTok The announcement comes amid growing international scrutiny of platforms like TikTok. French authorities recently opened an investigation into TikTok over concerns that its algorithms may push vulnerable users toward harmful content, including suicide. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau highlighted “insufficient moderation of TikTok, its ease of access by minors, and its sophisticated algorithm” as areas of concern. TikTok, which has more than 1.5 billion users worldwide and is owned by China-based ByteDance, has faced criticism from governments in Europe and the U.S. over content promoting self-harm, unhealthy body images, and potential foreign interference. A TikTok spokesperson has rejected the accusations, calling them misleading and arguing that the platform has been unfairly singled out. Australia’s social media ban marks a significant step in global efforts to protect children online. With other countries closely monitoring the outcomes, this legislation could set a precedent for the regulation of digital platforms targeting young audiences.

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