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For Australia’s youth, the social media landscape is becoming a rocky road, as the companies behind platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube begin to comply with the country’s landmark and imminent new legislation banning social media for children and younger teens.
Those under 16 – or suspected to be in this age cohort – are starting to see pop-up notifications about their accounts being deactivated or put on hold until they become or can prove they are of age.
Meta, as an example, is removing access to its social media platforms Instagram, Facebook and Threads for teens under 16 as of Thursday while also blocking the creation of new accounts for this group.
Its a bold effort at protecting youth from online harm that’s being keenly watched worldwide. But some critics have raised questions about the methods and technology being used, as well as whether this will truly make digital spaces safer.
Hear’s a quick look at how it’s rolling out and the potential for ripple effects in Canada.
The basics
As of Dec. 10, platforms included in the ban must deactivate accounts for users under 16 and prevent new users in this age group. The social media platforms on the government’s initial list are:
* Instagram
* Facebook
* Threads
* youtube
* TikTok
* Snapchat
* Twitch
* X (formerly Twitter)
* Reddit
* Kick
Tapping AI to verify
Each company decides which process to use, but basically ages are verified taking into account the information provided at registration, combined with artificial intelligence to analyze accounts, tech analyst carmi Levy saeid.
For example, Meta has said it will use AI, Levy noted.
If [an account is] following a lot of kids, if they’re engaging in ways that suggest that they’re under 16, then they will be flagged as an underage account and they will be removed from the platform,” he said from London, Ont.
Meta users can appeal for reinstatement by submitting government-issued identification or recording a “video selfie” for analysis, Levy said.
Simultaneously occurring, Snapchat will similarly verify age through government-issued photo ID, third-party verification services, or other methods.
australia is currently running a trial requiring social media platforms to verify the ages of their users, a move intended to protect children from harmful content. However, experts and young people are raising concerns about whether the approach will truly be effective, and if it might even have unintended consequences.
The trial, impacting platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, demands age verification through a government-approved digital ID system. The goal is to prevent access for those under 16, but critics argue it could push young people towards less safe corners of the internet and hinder their ability to report harmful experiences.
matt Hatfield, executive director of OpenMedia, a digital rights group, believes a direct approach to bullying and harmful content is more effective than age verification. “We should be realistic about what this kind of legislation can or can’t do and bear in mind that dealing directly with bullying – both discouraging it and imposing consequences when it happens – is really the more effective way,” he said.
Noah jones, a 15-year-old student in Sydney and co-plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the ban, echoes this sentiment. He argues the ban infringes on young Australians’ rights and cuts off vital interaction channels. “it just doesn’t make sense why we’re disconnected from the world, and the harmful people and the harmful explicit content isn’t the one suffering from this ban, it’s us,” he told reuters. he fears those who circumvent the ban will be less likely to report harm, as they are already operating outside the rules.
The potential impact extends beyond Australia. with the European Union also considering similar legislation, experts like Levy believe the current rollout in Australia will serve as a blueprint for other countries.
This Saturday, Just Asking is seeking input from the public: What questions do you have about getting your news through social media? You can share your thoughts through this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFacMaRLRNNR9jvMYp9QkGElfCOy2XmSWwWyJvax1XpDgZgQ/viewform
Canada to introduce New Legislation Targeting Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Deepfakes
The Canadian government is preparing to introduce legislation before the end of the year aimed at strengthening protections against online sexual exploitation and abuse, especially concerning children. Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s office announced Thursday that the new laws will focus on several key areas, including tightening child-luring laws, increasing penalties for the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and specifically criminalizing the distribution of sexual deepfakes.
“We will have more to say as we finalize the legislation and move to introduce it before the end of the year,” said Lola Dandybaeva,a spokesperson for the Justice Department.
The move comes after multiple attempts as 2021 to address online harms through legislation, informed by consultations across the country. Matt Hatfield of OpenMedia expressed hope that the upcoming bill will prioritize the impact of social media on young users and avoid replicating Australia’s approach, which he characterized as “very bold, but not very thoughtful about a balance of rights and protections.” He emphasized the importance of incorporating lessons learned during the Canadian consultation process.
Experts also highlight the crucial role of parental involvement in online safety. David Levy stressed that while legislation is vital, “the government isn’t going to save your kid digitally,” and that ongoing conversations between parents and children about responsible online behavior are essential.
The legislation aims to address a growing concern regarding the exploitation of individuals online, particularly through the creation and dissemination of non-consensual intimate images and the emerging threat of deepfake technology. By making the non-consensual distribution of sexual deepfakes a criminal offense, the government seeks to provide a legal framework to combat this form of abuse.
Image Caption: A boy is seen in silhouette outside as he looks at social media on his cell phone. (David Gray/AFP/Getty Images)
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