Meta, a social media conglomerate, has blocked over half a million social media accounts under Australia’s new social media ban. This ban now restricts children 16 years of age and under from creating social media accounts.
This is being done to protect youth from the dangers of social media. Meta agreed that there needs to be more regulations in place, in order to keep youth safe online, according to BBC News. This ban is being followed by numerous other countries and governments as well.
The Australian Government passed a new law called the Online Safety Amendment in November 2024. This ban means that after December 10, 2025, children 16 years of age and under won’t be able to make social media accounts.
Australian is implementing the strictest regulations in the world by not allowing there to be an exemption for creating an account with parental approval. There is some skepticism surrounding this ban, such as finding loopholes, resorting to less safe social media platforms, and children feeling less connected.
This ban will take place on apps like Tik Tok, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, and Twitch. It will not punish direct users for violating this rule, but instead will give heavy fines to the social media companies. This could include fines up to $50 million.
It is up to the individual tech company to decide how they wish to implement these restrictions. Since the fine is directed at the company, it will incentivize the companies to make it difficult to make accounts when the user is 16 or under. According to UNICEF Australia.
Meta is a media conglomerate, which brings Facebook’s apps into one company brand. Meta is led by CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Facebook launched in 2004. Other apps that are included in the Meta brand are Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, according to PR Newswire.
Mark Zuckerberg is facing backlash due to not taking enough action to protect young social media users. Zuckerberg is testifying for a lawsuit against the effects of social media on young social media users according to CNBC. Snapchat CEO, Evan Spiegel, and Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri, will also be testifying in the trial which will begin in January.
