Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, and Threads in australia
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Meta will block access to Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for users in Australia under teh age of 16, beginning December 10, 2023, to comply with new Australian legislation regarding social media use by young teenagers. The company has begun notifying affected users aged 13-15 via in-app messages, email, and text. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/20/meta-to-block-under-16s-from-instagram-facebook-and-threads-in-australia
Background: Australia’s Online Safety Act
The move comes as a result of Australia’s Online Safety Act, specifically provisions designed to protect children online. The legislation requires social media platforms to obtain parental consent before collecting and using personal information of users under 16.https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry-code/online-safety-act Rather than implement a comprehensive parental consent system, Meta has chosen to block access for this age group.
Implementation Timeline and Process
* November 20,2023: Meta began notifying users believed to be between 13 and 15 years old about the upcoming account closures.
* December 4, 2023: Account deactivation will begin, and new sign-ups from users under 16 will be blocked.
* December 10, 2023: The process is expected to be completed, fully complying with the law’s effective date.
Meta stated it will employ various age verification methods and adopt a “data minimization approach,” requesting additional information only when a user’s stated age is questionable. Antigone Davis,Meta’s vice president and global head of safety,emphasized that compliance will be an ongoing,multi-layered process. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/20/meta-to-block-under-16s-from-instagram-facebook-and-threads-in-australia
User Impact and Available Options
Approximately 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users in Australia fall within the 13-15 age range, according to the Australian internet regulator, eSafety Commissioner. Data for Threads users in this age group has not been publicly released. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/20/meta-to-block-under-16s-from-instagram-facebook-and-threads-in-australia
Teenagers affected by the block can update their contact details within their accounts to receive a notification when they turn 16, at which point they may regain access.
Industry Response and Future Implications
Meta initially indicated to australian politicians that it would only begin removing access once the law came into effect. This suggests a reluctance to proactively implement age verification measures. The company’s decision to block access rather than implement a robust parental consent system raises questions about the feasibility and cost of complying with similar legislation in other countries.
The effectiveness of Australia’s social media ban and its enforcement capabilities were recently assessed in a report, suggesting it can be enforced “effectively.” https://www.reuters.com/technology/australias-social-media-ban-can-be-enforced-effectively-report-2023-11-19/ This development sets a precedent for other nations considering similar regulations to protect young users online.