UPDATE: The Albanese government is preparing for an urgent showdown in the High Court over its controversial social media ban for users under 16, with a hearing set for December 6, 2023. Communications Minister Anika Wells expressed confidence that the government will prevail against a challenge launched by two brave 15-year-olds, supported by the Digital Freedom Project.
In a bold statement, Wells told Sky News, “We’re really confident that we can put forward a very strong case and be successful.” The government’s ban, which is set to take effect next week, mandates that platforms verify users’ ages or face hefty fines of up to $49.5 million. The law aims to protect minors but critics argue it restricts their rights and voices.
Plaintiffs Noah Jones and Macy Neyland contend that the ban is “lazy” policy that could push teens to create “fake profiles” in an effort to bypass restrictions. “We are the true digital natives and we want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world,” stated Jones. He expressed disappointment in a government that opts for blanket bans instead of investing in protective measures, emphasizing, “They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence.”
Neyland voiced similar concerns, highlighting that the ban stifles political discourse among future voters. “Young people like me are the voters of tomorrow,” she said, urging politicians to reconsider their approach. “Driving us to fake profiles and VPNs is bad safety policy,” she asserted. Her poignant comparison to Orwell’s “1984” underscores the emotional stakes for today’s youth.
As the clock ticks down, major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok, are bracing for the implications of the looming ban. Platforms have begun advising users to download their data and prepare for account freezes. Snapchat has announced that, starting December 10, users suspected to be under 16 will need to verify their age through government-issued IDs or facial recognition technology.
The Albanese government maintains that this law is crucial for ensuring the safety of children online, but as the High Court hearing approaches, tensions rise. The court has agreed to hear the case, setting the stage for a significant legal battle that could reshape Australia’s digital landscape.
With the ban’s implementation just days away, all eyes will be on the High Court and the arguments presented by both sides. As this situation develops, the outcomes will have lasting implications for young Australians and their access to social media platforms.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent legal challenge and its impact on the digital world for under-16s in Australia.
