Social media companies will be threatened with up to $50 million fines for systematically breaching age verification laws, under an Albanese Government plan to ban under 16s from the platforms. Source: ABC News.
The Government will introduce legislation to Parliament today to require social media companies to block children under 16, using age assurance technology that is yet to be determined.
And after previous concern the laws would not apply to some platforms, such as Snapchat, the ABC understands the Government has changed the definition of social media to include Snapchat.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the legislation would require social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to lock out under 16s.
“This reform is about protecting young people and letting parents know we’ve got their backs,” she said.
The Government announced earlier this month it had settled on 16 as the minimum age for social media access, arguing the laws would protect children from online harm.
The laws will apply to teens under 16 using social media now, meaning they will need to get off the apps, even if their parents give them permission.
Questions remain about how platforms such as X, TikTok and Instagram will accurately determine users’ ages.
The fine for companies who “systematically” breach the laws will be up to $50 million.
The latest technology available to identify age online is “immature but developing”, according to a March 2023 report by the eSafety Commissioner.
The Government has previously confirmed “messaging services” such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger and online games, will be exempt from the rules.
The Opposition will consider the legislation but looks likely to support it, despite some Coalition MPs agitating for a thorough examination of the bill through a parliamentary inquiry.
If the legislation passes, the ban will not come into effect for 12 months, allowing time for social media companies to determine how to comply with the rules.
FULL STORY
Social media platforms to face $50 million fines under social media ban, now to include Snapchat (By Isobel Roe, ABC News)
