URGENT UPDATE: Meta has just announced the suspension of over 500,000 accounts in Australia as part of the country’s groundbreaking ban on social media access for users under 16 years old. Between December 4 and 11, 2023, the tech giant locked down more than 330,000 Instagram accounts, 170,000 Facebook accounts, and nearly 40,000 Threads accounts to comply with the new legislation that took effect on December 10.
This sweeping action comes as Australia leads the world with its age restriction policy, affecting major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick. The ban aims to protect younger users, with accounts belonging to those under 16 being deactivated or deleted.
The immediate impact of this ban has been noticeable in the retail sector. Following the implementation of the social media restrictions, sales of books surged by 3.1 percent, according to data from News Corp. Retailers are also reporting increased interest in board games, card games, and puzzles, indicating a shift in how young people are spending their time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed optimism about the new law, noting that it represents a significant cultural shift for Australia. He stated, “It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced. This is a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world in coming months.” Albanese acknowledged the challenges of this transition, emphasizing that “success is the fact that it’s happening,” highlighting the importance of ongoing discussions between parents and children regarding social media use.
Despite these measures, Meta has voiced concerns about the effectiveness of blanket bans. In a recent statement, the company called for a “better way forward,” suggesting that industry incentives could create safer online experiences for young users. Meta proposes that age verification measures be implemented at app stores rather than within individual apps. This would require parental approval before teens under 16 can download applications, aiming to ensure consistent protections across all platforms.
Meta also warned against the “whack-a-mole effect” of catching up with new apps that teens may turn to in order to evade the restrictions. In its commitment to compliance, the company stated, “To ensure all teens are protected online, we believe legislation should require app stores to verify age and obtain parental approval.”
As the situation develops, many are watching to see how Australia’s landmark decision will influence other countries considering similar restrictions. With discussions about child safety online now at the forefront, the global ramifications of Australia’s actions may shape social media regulations for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as the implications of Australia’s social media ban unfold. The world is watching, and the conversation has only just begun.
