As the deadline approaches for a new social media regulation in Australia, many teenagers are exploring lesser-known platforms. Under-16 users face a ban from popular apps like Snapchat and TikTok starting on December 10, 2023. In response, applications such as Yope and Lemon8 have seen a significant uptick in downloads as young influencers direct their followers to these emerging alternatives.
Yope, which offers a photo-sharing group chat service, has climbed the charts of most-downloaded apps in Australia. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Yope focuses on private chatrooms rather than public feeds, providing a different user experience. Despite its growth, a spokesperson for the eSafety Commissioner has warned that any app meeting the criteria of the new laws will be required to block users under 16, regardless of its popularity.
“eSafety has published its assessments of major online services to provide greater certainty for Australian families and industry,” the spokesperson stated. “However, with just over a week to go, eSafety is also reminding the broader online industry that all services are obliged to comply with the law.” Companies failing to adhere to these regulations could face penalties of up to $49.5 million.
Uncertainty looms over whether Yope will be classified as an age-restricted platform. The government defines such apps as those primarily focused on social interaction and user-generated content. While Yope emphasizes group messaging, it also includes features resembling those of Snapchat, such as “streaks” that reward frequent interaction. Consequently, the platform may need to demonstrate that its primary function is messaging to avoid restrictions.
The implications of this shift extend beyond mere access to social media. While many young users are sharing humorous content about their transitions to these new platforms, there are significant risks involved. The search for alternative social sharing apps could inadvertently lead teens to platforms with questionable privacy and security practices. Dr. Hassan Asghar, a cybersecurity lecturer at Macquarie University, expressed concern over the government’s lack of mandated age verification methods.
“Social media platforms that are newer to the market may not have the resources and expertise to implement age verification with the same level of safety as multinationals,” Dr. Asghar noted. He further emphasized that data breaches often arise not from function creep but from hackers exploiting security vulnerabilities. The greater the spread of personal data, the higher the risk of exposure.
Under the new restrictions, platforms are prohibited from requiring users to submit government identification for age verification. While they may offer it as an option, they must also provide reasonable alternatives to ensure compliance. As the clock ticks down to the social media ban, teenagers seeking new online homes may find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with challenges and potential hazards.
