Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X to be banned for children under 16, THIS country takes major decision, will come into effect…, not US, UK, it is…
Social media companies that do not comply with the regulations may face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (around Rs 270 crore).
A significant change for social media users is set to happen. Access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok will be banned for children under the age of 16 in Australia starting on December 10. This restriction is part of Australia’s new Online Safety Regulation aimed at safeguarding children from online harms.
Who will be affected by this new social media ban?
Younger children can still access those platforms if their parent or guardian gives consent. This is the first law in the world to target children in digital form. Social media companies that do not comply with the regulations may face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (around Rs 270 crore).
When will this major decision come into effect?
According to Australia’s Online Safety Act, which will come into effect on December 10, if a child under 16 has created a social media account without parental consent, it will be deactivated. As the first national rule of its kind in the world, it seeks to provide young children with some protection from the harmful effects of social media. The platforms will also notify the user prior to account deactivation. This notice will allow the child to take one of three actions: download their data, freeze their profile, or allow their account to be permanently deleted.
Rather than request actual documents of identification, companies will turn to AI (Artificial Intelligence) to assess a child’s age, as reported by NavBharat Times. AI will review users’ activity online, and based on that activity — what they like, comment on, and how they engage — detect their probable age. If a user thinks their age has not been determined correctly, they can confirm their age with a selfie. The company Yoti, which provides age-assurance technology for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, had stated it may take users several weeks to understand the verification process.
What platforms are included in the ban for under-16 users?
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, Reddit, Kick, and Threats are a few of the social media applications that will be forced to ban Australian users under the age of 16. Under Australia’s new legislation, social media companies are required to block or suspend the accounts of users under 16 years of age unless parental consent is granted. Experts anticipate that this law may create a framework that other countries will follow. By 2026, it is expected that several other countries will initiate their laws to safeguard minors against the risks of the internet.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, Reddit, Kick, and Threats are a few of the social media applications that will be forced to ban Australian users under the age of 16.
- Online platforms that will be permitted to host users under the age of 16 years include Messenger, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, and Discord.
- Under Australia’s new legislation, social media companies are required to block or suspend the accounts of users under 16 years of age.
- The platforms will also notify the user prior to account deactivation.
Some online services will still be permitted to provide services to users under the age of 16 years, according to Australia’s broadcasting Corporation, even after the new online safety law goes into effect on 10 December. Online platforms that will be permitted to host users under the age of 16 years include Messenger, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, Discord, GitHub, LEGO Play, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, and Google Classroom.
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