Australia is making a big change to how young people use the Internet. Soon, teenagers under 16 will not be allowed on many popular social media platforms. The government says this new rule is designed to protect kids and “let kids be kids”.
This change is happening right now. The company Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, has started telling younger teens their accounts will be closed. These teens are getting messages on their phones, in their email, and inside the apps. The message is clear: if the app thinks you are between 13 and 15 years old, your account will start turning off on December 4th. The official law begins for everyone on December 10th.
This new ban will affect many other apps too, like TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter).
What This Means for Teens
If you are a teenager in Australia, here is what you need to do.
First, you can save your stuff. Before your account closes, you can download your photos, videos and messages. This way, you don’t lose your memories.
Second, if you think the app made a mistake, you can prove your age. You have two options. You can take a special video selfie that estimates your age. Or, you can show an ID card, like a drivers license.
Why It’s Not So Simple
Checking someone’s age online is tricky. A recent study found that no method is perfect. Each one has problems. There is no single best way to do it.
The social media companies must follow this new law. If they don’t try hard enough to stop underage users, they can be fined millions of dollars. A Meta executives said they are trying their best, but it is a difficult job that will take a long time. She also said that teens are clever and might find ways around the rules.
This new law is already changing other websites. The gaming platform Roblox does not want to be banned. So, it is making its own new rule. Soon, children under 16 on Roblox will not be allowed to chat with adult strangers.
Which Apps Are Banned?
The government has released an official list.
Your account will be affected if you use:
Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, or YouTube
Your account will NOT be affected if you use:
Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam, WhatsApp, or YouTube Kids.
This new rule is a major experiment on online safety. It will shape how kids around the world use the Internet in the future.
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