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The incoming ban on social media for all Australians under the age of 16 may unintentionally create new ways for scammers too target Australians and access their personal data, cyber safety experts warn.
The rules, which will come into effect on December 10, will require users to verify their age, possibly giving scammers the perfect cover story to access highly convincing “prove your age scams”.
The goal of these particular scams is to trick people into clicking malicious links or handing over sensitive data, allowing scammers to commit identity theft.
“What’s the number one thing scammers and predators want from us?” Cyber safety specialist Stacey Edmonds saeid.
“Our data and personal details … and we’re giving them out.”
Deciding how they will verify age is up to the platform to decide but one requirement is that requesting ID cannot be the only form of age checking.
Experts say it is important to remember no platform will ask you for government identification.
Meta is yet to disclose how it would do so and TikTok said it would have a multi-layered approach to confirm a child’s age.
While Snapchat has said it will use Connect ID, connected to a user’s banking account app to verify age.
Ms Edmonds, who created a game to teach children critical thinking skills about online scams said age scams are certain and will follow well-known scamming formulas.
She believes Australians may fall victim to phishing emails and texts asking for people to put in personal details or follow dodgy links to prove they can keep accessing their accounts.
“The fact is we need to do something about social media because big tech companies aren’t regulating themselves,” she said.
“But every change and regulation always has unintended consequences and I think it’s realy critically important that we understand the dangers.”
New legislation aiming to protect children online by banning under-16s from accessing social media platforms is raising concerns about potential risks and scams. While intended to safeguard young people, experts warn the ban could inadvertently push vulnerable users towards more dangerous online environments.
The New Legislation and Its intent
The new law requires social media companies to verify the age of their users and obtain parental consent for those under 16. The goal is to reduce exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Though, the implementation of this ban is complex, and security experts are highlighting potential loopholes and unintended consequences.
Increased Risk of Scam Websites
One major concern is the potential for scam websites to exploit the situation. These sites may falsely promise access to social media platforms, tricking young users into providing personal information. This information can then be used for identity theft,financial fraud,or other malicious purposes.
“We’ll probably see scam websites touting the under 16 social media ban and getting them [users] to provide their personal information via a link for verification and that link might lead to a scam website or downloading malicious software.”
These scam websites often mimic legitimate social media platforms, making it difficult for users to distinguish between the real thing and a fraudulent site. They may request details like usernames, passwords, email addresses, or even financial information.
Risk of VPN Scams
there are also concerns under 16s will fall for scams that promise to help them bypass the ban if they hand over details. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are often presented as a solution to circumvent age restrictions,but many free or low-cost VPN services are unreliable and can pose security risks. scammers may offer VPNs that collect user data or install malware on devices.
Understanding VPN Risks
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it appear as though you are browsing from a different location. while legitimate VPNs can enhance online privacy,malicious VPNs can do the opposite. They can log your browsing activity, inject ads into your web pages, or even steal your personal information. It’s crucial to use reputable VPN services and to be wary of free options.
Protecting Young People Online
Parents and educators play a vital role in protecting young people online. Here are some key steps to take:
- Educate children about online safety: teach them about the risks of sharing personal information online and how to identify scam websites.
- Monitor online activity: Keep an eye on the websites and apps your children are using.
- Use parental control software: These tools can help block access to inappropriate content and monitor online activity.
- Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for children to talk about their online experiences.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam or encounter harmful content, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Key Takeaways
- The social media ban for under-16s aims to protect children but creates new risks.
- Scam websites are likely to emerge, exploiting the ban to collect personal information.
- VPN scams pose a threat, with malicious vpns potentially compromising user data.
- Parental education and monitoring are crucial for online safety.
As the legislation takes effect, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are essential to mitigate the potential risks and ensure the safety of young people online. Continued monitoring of emerging threats and adaptation of security strategies will be necessary to stay ahead of scammers and protect vulnerable users.