Australia has enacted a social media ban for Under 16 year olds. This has been inconsistently applied to different sites with Facebook, X, YouTube, and Snapchat, for example, being restricted. Other apps and sites like Discord are, as of writing, unaffected. The reasoning for Discord not being included is that it is a messaging app. Surely this is a primary space where online bullying and harm can occur as there is little moderation and oversight.
The intent behind the ban is admirable and stems from a good place, as it aims to protect young people from disturbing content and online bullying. However, allowing YouTube to be viewed when not logged in still exposes users to this content. There are many questions about how to determine a user’s age. Who can verify this information, and where will it be stored?
Technology can bring people together and drive them apart. This ban has the potential to drive vulnerable users away from areas that are visible on the internet and reduce their likelihood of asking for help when things go wrong, as they fear they will be punished for breaking the law.
Surely, targeting the inappropriate content on the platforms would be a better way to safeguard children and other vulnerable people.
Read the Australian Online Safety Act below.
Australian Online Safety Act 2021
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