Sydney, Dec 10, (dpa/GNA) – Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, hailed the launch of the world’s first social media ban for under 16s on Wednesday, even as some teenagers managed to bypass the new restrictions.
Under the new law, which took effect at midnight (1300 GMT on Tuesday), young people under the age of 16 are no longer allowed to have their own accounts on 10 major social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit and YouTube.
Affected companies were given a year to introduce age verification measures, and violations will result in hefty fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
Messaging services such as WhatsApp, emails, online games and educational offerings are exempt.
However, numerous teenagers reported that their accounts were still active after the law came into force, or that they had managed to circumvent the regulation on its first day.
“Dear Anthony Alabanese [sic]: I got past your ban,” one user wrote in a TikTok video.
Several young TikTok users also left comments on a TikTok video posted by Albanese on Wednesday evening about the new regulation. “Still here mate,” read one of the many comments.
The government had previously said it was possible that not all affected accounts would be blocked immediately.
Albanese insisted that the ban was already a success despite the apparent loopholes. “It won’t be perfect. This is a big change,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “Success is the fact that it’s happening. Success is the fact that we’re having this discussion.”
“This is indeed a proud day to be Australian,” he said.
The regulation, passed with the support of almost all major parties in parliament at the end of 2024, aims to protect young people from risks such as cyberbullying, problematic consumption and distressing content.
However, it is facing significant criticism, as well as a lawsuit before the Supreme Court.
Critics claim the ban is disproportionate, with many convinced that teenagers will simply switch to other services, where risks and checks are even more difficult to monitor.
According to Australian media reports, social media platform Reddit is preparing to challenge the ban in court.
The company had earlier said it would comply with the rules despite disagreeing with the terms of the law.
World first
Other countries are considering following Australia’s lead. In November, Denmark announced an agreement to restrict children under 15 from using certain social media platforms over concerns about youth mental health.
In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “inspired” by Australia’s “common sense” move to introduce age restrictions.
Manfred Weber, the leader of the largest faction in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party, has spoken out in favour of a social media ban for children based on the Australian model.
In comments to Germany’s Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper, Weber advocated a ban for children under the age of 13 and a requirement for parental consent between the ages of 13 and 16.
The European Parliament recently voted by a clear majority in favour of the demand for an EU-wide minimum age, but the vote has no binding effect.
GNA