Australia releases regulations on prohibiting social media access for individuals under 16 years old.
The Australian Government Issues Guidelines for Technology Companies
The Australian Executive has published guidelines for technology companies to comply with new regulations that will take effect on December 10. Companies are required to demonstrate that they have implemented “reasonable measures” to detect and eliminate underage accounts, prevent re-entry, and provide reporting channels. A universal age verification system has been ruled out by the government, citing that companies already possess sufficient user information. The implementation will be gradual, with authorities monitoring platforms’ performance and mandating changes if significant flaws are identified.
Close Monitoring of Implementation and Potential Model for Other Regions
Australia plans to closely monitor the regulation’s implementation, with the eSafety Commissioner meeting with companies in Silicon Valley and the Minister of Communications discussing the issue at the UN General Assembly. Platforms have had a year to prepare for the implementation, leaving no room for excuses for non-compliance. The Senate approved the measure in November 2024, with fines of up to 32.5 million dollars for companies such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok in the event of violations. The Australian initiative is seen as pioneering and could potentially serve as a model for other regions. For example, the European Commission is working on a guide to establish the minimum age for accessing networks and safeguard minors from inappropriate online content.
