ON November 28, 2024, Australia made headlines by approving a ground-breaking law that bans children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms.
This legislation, hailed as the strictest of its kind globally, aims to protect young people from various dangers associated with social media, sparking a wide range of reactions both domestically and internationally.
The law, passed by Australia's parliament, is set to take effect in at least 12 months, giving tech companies time to prepare for compliance.
Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in hefty fines of up to A$50 million (approximately US$32,5 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the need for such legislation, stating it would help safeguard children from the "harms" of social media, a sentiment echoed by many parent organisations.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the practical implementation of the ban and its implications for privacy and social interaction among young people.
Unlike previous regulations in other countries, Australia’s law does not provide exemptions for existing social media users or allow parental consent, making it a significant departure from global norms.
While attempts to regulate children's access to social media are not new, Australia' decision to set the minimum age at 16 is unprecedented.
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This legislation comes in a context where other nations have attempted similar restrictions, albeit with varying degrees of success.
For example, France recently enacted a law requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media, although many users circumvented this rule using VPNs.
In Zimbabwe, where social media plays a crucial role in communication and activism, the implications of such a ban could be profound.
It raises questions about how governments balance the need to protect children with the rights of individuals to access information and connect with others.
The Australian law does not specify which platforms will be affected.
The decision will be made by the communications minister, who will consult with the eSafety Commissioner. Initial indications suggest that major platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) will be included in the ban, while gaming and messaging platforms may remain unaffected.
This nuanced approach reflects the complex landscape of social media and its varied uses among youth.
To enforce the ban, the government plans to implement age-verification technologies. However, experts caution that such technologies may not be fool-proof and could raise further privacy concerns.
Critics argue that young users could easily bypass restrictions using methods like VPNs, which can mask their location and circumvent age checks.
Polling indicates that a significant number of Australian parents support the ban, reflecting widespread concern about the impact of social media on children.
Advocates argue that the legislation addresses a growing anxiety among parents who feel torn between allowing their children access to technology and protecting them from its potentially harmful effects.
Amy Friedlander, a parent and advocate, articulated the dilemma many face, the choice between enabling social media use and risking their child' isolation.
However, many experts believe that the ban may be too simplistic to effectively tackle the complexities of social media use among youth.
They warn that it could drive children to less regulated parts of the internet, where risks might be even greater.
The response from the tech industry has been critical. Companies like Google, Snap, and Meta have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in the legislation, arguing that it may not achieve its intended goal of protecting children.
TikTok has specifically criticised the broad definition of social media platforms in the bill, suggesting it could encompass nearly every online service.
Youth advocates have also voiced their concerns, stating that the government’s approach fails to recognise the integral role social media plays in the lives of young people. They argue that involving youth in discussions about online safety is essential to developing effective solutions.
Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the complexities of the debate, asserting that while the implementation of the law may not be perfect, it is a necessary step towards protecting children.
He likened the situation to alcohol regulations for minors, suggesting that while some may find ways around the law, its existence serves a vital function.
As Australia’s legislation garners international attention, other countries are closely monitoring its outcomes. Norway has indicated plans to implement similar measures, and discussions are on-going in the United Kingdom about potential bans for under-16s.
Australia's decision to ban social media for children under 16 reflects a growing global concern about the impact of digital technology on young people.
In Zimbabwe, where social media serves as a crucial tool for communication and activism, the implications of such a ban could be significant.
As governments worldwide wrestle with the challenges of regulating digital spaces, the need for comprehensive strategies that protect children while respecting their rights to online engagement becomes increasingly clear.
Engaging with youth, tech companies and experts will be essential in crafting effective and balanced policies that address the multi-faceted nature of social media use. The unfolding situation in Australia will undoubtedly serve as a case study for other nations, including Zimbabwe, as they navigate the complexities of social media regulation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Will Zimbabwe follow suit? What do you think? WhatsApp: +263772278161.
- Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — chair@zict.org.zw or 263 772 278 161.
