Australia’s under-16 social media ban could be set up to fail, Melissa McIntosh says
A lack of clarity around age verification methods could lead to Australia’s world-first social media ban failing despite coming into force within four weeks, a senior Liberal claims.
As of December 10, age restrictions will be applied on many social media platforms, including Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick, and the accounts of those under the age of 16 will be disabled or deleted.
“It is extraordinary that a year after the minimum age for social media was enacted, the Albanian Labor Party Government is still struggling to work out the details of a social media ban for under-16s that will begin on 10 December,” opposition communications spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh said.
“There are still a number of things the government is unclear about to the Australian public, including whether a platform can force Australians to use a digital ID for age verification and even which platforms will be included.”
Under social media minimum age legislation, platforms cannot require the use of government ID information for age assurance, but they will have discretion over how to comply with the law, which requires them to take “reasonable steps” to remove users under 16.
Other methods platforms may use to assess age include “age-related signals” such as interaction history, language analysis, activity patterns consistent with school schedules, and membership in youth-focused groups, according to the eSafety website.
They may also use “location-related signals” including IP addresses, GPS services and Australian phone numbers.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Communications Minister Anika Wells said the laws would give children up to 36 months to build relationships and build resilience before being introduced to social media platforms.
At the same press conference, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant confirmed that platforms would be evaluated on an ongoing basis after December 10, describing the list of restricted platforms as “dynamic”.
Ms McIntosh also expressed concern about the lack of a “robust” public education campaign.
“The details really matter and the Minister needs to focus on those first and foremost,” Ms McIntosh said.
“As of today, the countdown has begun and we only have one month left.”
Three weeks ago the government launched a national campaign titled ‘For Good’ to educate parents and children about the new social media minimum age law.
Since then, the department estimates more than 200,000 Australians have visited the eSafety website to learn more about the reforms.
“We are encouraged to see hundreds of thousands of Australians engaging with our education resources to have meaningful conversations about this important change,” Ms Wells said.
“Now is the time for people who have under 16s in their lives to start talking about what the new law means for them and talk about any concerns or concerns they may have.
“Teens who expect their accounts to be deactivated starting December 10 can take steps to prepare and make sure they stay connected to the people and things they love, including backing up content and photos and exploring other ways to stay in touch.”
