Tech platforms will be forced to detect and deactivate underage accounts as part of the Albanese Government’s world-first social media ban for people under 16 years of age.
Social media companies will also have to prevent those users from re-registering, but must provide a review process for users who insist they are over the age limit.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Details of Australia’s social media ban for under 16s.
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Snapchat, TikTok, Meta and YouTube will face fines up to $49.5 million for not complying with the guidelines.
The new guidance will be released by Communications Minister Anika Wells and e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant on Tuesday.
The countdown is on, with just 85 days until the laws take effect on December 10.
The eSafety Commissioner has pushed back against concerns regarding social media users’ privacy.
The Government insists it is not asking platforms to verify the age of all users, or for platforms to use government ID as the sole method of age checking, and platforms cannot retain personal data from the process.
The Albanese Government is “backing families through this world-leading law, and eSafety’s guidance means social media platforms know what their responsibilities are,” Wells said.
“This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations that social media platforms step up to the plate to implement the minimum age in a way that is effective, private, and fair on Australian users.
“The Government has done the work to ensure that platforms have the information they need to comply with the new laws — and it’s now on them to take the necessary steps.
“Parents, kids — indeed the entire Australian community — are relying on them to keep young Australians safer online.
“eSafety’s guidance makes clear that platforms must comply with the law, and also provide transparent and accessible information to their users about their age assurance systems.”
The world is watching how Australia will implement this ban.
Europe is already following step with many countries looking at similar bans for under 15s and under 16s.
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