A new social media regulation in Australia is set to impact users under the age of 16 as the Federal Government implements a ban on their access to major platforms. This unprecedented move, approved in November 2022 due to rising concerns about youth mental health and excessive screen time, will take effect on December 10, 2023. Starting from December 4, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, will begin disabling accounts for users in this age group.
With just weeks remaining for young Australians to access their content, many are urged to download their digital history from popular social platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and others before they lose access. A total of ten platforms are included in this ban, raising concerns among hundreds of thousands of young users.
Steps to Download Content from Major Platforms
For those affected by the impending ban, here’s a comprehensive guide to retrieving your social media content.
Meta users can download their data by navigating to the Meta Accounts Centre within the app settings. By selecting “Your information and permissions,” then “export your information,” users can create an export by choosing the profiles and types of data they wish to retrieve. Options include selecting date ranges and quality levels for images and videos. Once the request is submitted, users will receive an email notification when their content is ready.
On Snapchat, users still have a little time left to download their data. By accessing the “My Data” page in the app’s settings, users can choose from various data types, including Snap Memories and Chats. After selecting the desired data, users only need to enter their email address, and Snapchat will send a link to download the information once it is prepared.
For TikTok users, content retrieval can be done via the Profile section. By clicking on the “Menu” button, users can navigate to “Settings and Privacy,” then to “Account” and select “Download your Data.” TikTok will prompt users to specify the type of content and the relevant date range before generating a downloadable file. This file will only be available for four days after the request is made.
Retrieving data from Reddit requires a different approach. Users must submit a data request form through the Reddit website. After logging into their account and filling out the form, users can expect to receive a downloadable link via email within 30 days.
What Lies Ahead for Young Users
As the deadline approaches, young Australians are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their digital footprints. Many platforms, such as WhatsApp, Discord, and iMessage, remain exempt from the ban, allowing users to maintain communication through those channels.
Although the situation may feel overwhelming, this measure aims to promote a healthier online environment for youth. In the words of Jojo Siwa, a prominent figure in social media, the ban could represent a “beautiful thing” for young users, encouraging them to engage in life beyond the screen.
In summary, the upcoming ban on social media access for users under 16 in Australia raises pivotal questions about digital presence and mental well-being. As teens prepare to transition away from these platforms, taking proactive steps to download personal content is essential before the cut-off date arrives.
