Lexology’s Post

Australia is taking a groundbreaking step to ban kids under 16 from social media, with new legislation putting the onus on platforms to keep young users out. Prime Minister Albanese says, "This one is for the mums and dads... They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back," he said. This has sparked big questions: 👉 Will this work? 👉 Will other countries follow suit? One thing is clear: the conversation about kids and social media safety is more urgent than ever. https://lnkd.in/d8wD8yB2 #DigitalSafety #SocialMedia #YouthWellness #TechForGood

Even where there is a validation process to confirm the age of a person, the naïve but creative mind of an adolescent will find a way to access social media. However, once enrolled into the system, I would have thought that automated systems utilising AI could identify activity not associated with an adult mindset, sufficient at least to be able to impose some controls onto the account, prior to further checks made to confirm the age of the user. Interestingly, even the new kid on the block in regards to social networking appears to leverage policy and self-identification of age as opposed to any enhanced process. The use of AI to detect behaviour traits will, I’m sure, prompt many responses along the lines of “you can’t monitor my behaviour without me being aware or with my consent” etc., but it can and is being done! It is indeed one of the main elements of the operating model most social media engines use, to detect behaviour and provide more and more mentally addictive content. Add to this that platforms are now auto-subscribing user posts to Grok (a social engine training model) and there most certainly is the technical capability to identify behaviour typically associated with underage users. If the technical capability exists, then why don’t social media companies use it? I’ll leave it to you to figure that one out 😉 Of course, the solution isn’t purely a technical solution. There should also be a human element where parents form a part of the equation, by routinely checking that their children are not being exposed to any unacceptable content or risks through hands-on checking of devices used. When introduced early, where devices are first given to children, it becomes normalised, so that children feel that they can approach parents when they are concerned about something that they see or they, at the very least, gain the ability to “report inappropriate content or contact” using facilities within the system and also how to “block users”. The solution is not solely a problem for social media platforms to solve, it has to be a multi-pronged approach to be effective. #SocialMediaSafety #AIandEthics #DigitalParenting

The Australian media reacts to Labor's proposed social media legislation to ban under-16-year-olds from using social media, as well as to hold platforms accountable for misinformation and disinformation content. With the aim of harm reduction for social media users, critics argue that the new laws will be tough to enforce and may inadvertently push young users to find ways around the restrictions. Supporters believe that the legislation is a necessary step to protect the mental health and well-being of young Australians. The debate continues as the government seeks to balance safety with practicality, while social media platforms brace for the impact of these potential changes.

Is Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 a Bold Step Forward or an Overreach? Australia’s groundbreaking decision to ban social media access for children under 16 is sparking global debate. While the government touts the law as a necessary measure to safeguard children’s mental and physical health, critics argue it could create more problems than it solves. With platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram now facing a steep $33 million fine for non-compliance, this law represents the strictest social media controls worldwide. But does a blanket ban miss the mark? Advocates for the law say it’s high time we confront the detrimental effects of unregulated social media use on youth, from cyberbullying to addictive behaviors. Opponents, however, warn that the law could deepen social inequities, particularly for disadvantaged youth who rely on these platforms for community and education. Moreover, critics question the feasibility of enforcement. Will requiring identification to access social media invade privacy for all Australians, as some fear? And how will this policy tackle the rise of anonymous and web-based platforms that often harbor more toxic content? This legislation raises profound questions about the role of government in parenting, the balance between freedom and protection, and the unintended consequences of restricting access to online spaces. Does this set a precedent for other nations to follow, or is it a cautionary tale of overreach? What do you think? Should other countries consider similar measures, or does this law go too far? https://lnkd.in/gjQUJGwR

Is a Social Media Ban the Solution to Keeping Children Safe Online? By now we are all aware of the dangers posed by Social Media. In Australia a bill was passed that bans social media companies for allowing children under the age of 16 to access their platforms. The Australian bill doesn't go into effect until 2025 and it will be a number of years before we can truly understand the impact. Will we see something similar in the United States? With overwhelming support from Attorneys generals and parents alike there is a lot of pressure to get a deal done and bring it to a vote before the current session ends. My prediction? We won't see anything in the US in 2024, but the first bill will be passed in 2025. With mounting pressure from all angles, Social Media companies are scrambling to come up with solutions. #joedoeslaw #masstorts #socialmedia

Australian social media age restrictions are a possibility, with South Australia championing reform. The Honourable Robert French AC recently released the ‘Report of the Independent Legal Examination into Banning Children’s Access to Social Media’ (French Review). This includes a consultation exposure draft of the Children (Social Media Safety) Bill 2024 (SA) for the Premier of South Australia. The French Review details an indicative legislative model which includes a duty of care for social media services to prevent access to “social media services” by children in South Australia under the age of 14 and by 14- and 15-year-old children who do not have parental consent. Any breach of the duty gives rise to a cause of action for which damages are available as a remedy. An infringement notice can also be issued resulting in payment of a penalty. For any questions about the draft provisions and the next steps for businesses in light of these developments, please contact Sophie Dawson and Jennifer Dean. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Eahsra. #socialmedia #auspol #socialmediasafety

Australia's plan to ban children from social media until they turn 16 is gaining traction, but the road to implementation may be rocky. 🎢 While this approach appears straightforward, the complexities of adapting to digital behavior and parental guidance can't be overlooked. How do we keep our youth safe online without stifling their voices? 🤔 #SocialMediaSafety #YouthOnline #DigitalWellbeing

🚨 Breaking News: Australia's New Social Media Age Limit - What You Need to Know! 🚨 The Australian government is proposing a groundbreaking new law that could change the landscape of social media for young users. If passed, this law will require users to be at least 16 years old to access social media platforms. The intent behind this move is to protect children from potential online harm and curb the spread of misinformation. While some laud this as a step towards safer internet usage, critics warn that it might not be the right solution and could lead to unintended consequences. The proposal is still under review, sparking a heated debate among the public. What do you think? Will this law make a positive impact, or do you foresee potential pitfalls? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🗨️ Let's get the conversation started. And don't forget to share this post to keep your friends informed! 💬👥 #SocialMediaPolicy #OnlineSafety

Australia is moving to ban social media use entirely by anyone under 16. Given the incentives and abilities of the social media companies, a complete ban could make more sense than any sort of restrictions. Will be very interesting to see how this plays out. #SocialMediaResponsibility https://lnkd.in/gUPAgcPS