Australia's Social Media Age Restrictions
Australia has set a precedent by becoming the first country to enforce a minimum age requirement for social media usage, impacting platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Snap. The new legislation mandates platforms to block accounts of users under 16 to enhance online safety for young users.
Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act
- Platforms are required to:
- Identify and deactivate accounts held by under-16s.
- Prevent new accounts from being created by users under 16.
- Implement processes to correct errors if accounts are wrongly flagged or missed.
This legislation differs from India's approach, where parental consent is necessary for services offered to under 18s, and prohibits behavioral tracking and targeted advertising to children.
Purpose and Impact
- The regulation aims to protect young users from online risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content.
- More than half of young Australians have reportedly faced cyberbullying.
- Fines up to $33 million are imposed on platforms failing to comply.
Exemptions and Criticisms
- Exemptions include dating sites, gaming platforms, and AI chatbots.
- Concerns have been raised by tech companies and the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding free speech and effectiveness.
Global Context and Reactions
- Meta, Snap, and YouTube have voiced concerns about the implications for safety and freedom of speech.
- Platforms like X worry about the impact on children's rights.
Comparison with India's Approach
- India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 requires verifiable parental consent for data processing of children under 18.
- The Act prohibits processing that could harm children's well-being and restricts behavioral monitoring and targeted advertising.
