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Australia bans under-16s from social media starting 10 December
Australia will become the first country to prohibit social media access for users under 16 from Tuesday, a move tech giants have fiercely opposed as other nations watch closely.
From optimism to skepticism
Stephen Scheeler, Facebook's former Australia chief, once championed social media as a force for global connection and democratized learning. By 2017, however, his enthusiasm had dimmed.
"There's lots of good things about these platforms, but there's just too much bad stuff," he told the BBC, reflecting a growing disillusionment shared by policymakers and parents worldwide.
Tech industry pushes back
Social media companies, including Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, have spent months contesting Australia's law, which mandates "reasonable steps" to block underage accounts. They argue the ban could isolate young people and infringe on parental rights.
"Australia is engaged in blanket censorship that will make its youth less informed, less connected, and less equipped to navigate the spaces they will be expected to understand as adults."
Paul Taske, NetChoice
Industry insiders fear the ban could set a precedent. "It could become a proof of concept that gains traction around the world," said Nate Fast, a professor at the University of Southern California.
Global reckoning over teen safety
Criticism of social media's impact on young users has intensified, with lawsuits and whistleblower testimonies alleging platforms prioritize profits over safety. A landmark U.S. trial in January will examine claims that Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube designed addictive apps while concealing harms. All companies deny wrongdoing.
In a separate case, state prosecutors accused Meta's Mark Zuckerberg of blocking teen safety improvements, including rejecting proposals to remove Instagram's beauty filters, which experts link to body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
Former Meta employees, including Frances Haugen and Arturo Béjar, have testified before Congress about alleged misconduct, while the company maintains it has developed tools to protect teens.
Australia's strict stance
Australia's law stands out for its lack of exemptions for parental consent, making it the strictest globally. Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed industry arguments that parents should decide, stating: "They've had 15-20 years to self-regulate, and it's not enough."
Other nations, including Denmark, Norway, and Singapore, are monitoring Australia's move, with some already drafting similar legislation. Wells said her office has fielded inquiries from the EU, Fiji, and Malta.
Companies scramble to adapt
Facing the ban, platforms have introduced "safer" versions of their products. Meta launched Instagram Teen accounts with restricted privacy settings, while Snapchat offers special accounts for 13-17-year-olds. YouTube rolled out AI age-estimation tools to shield minors from harmful content.
Yet critics remain unconvinced. Béjar's September study found two-thirds of Instagram's teen safety tools ineffective. "Meta isn't substantively addressing the harm we know teens are experiencing," he said.
Implementation challenges and industry resistance
Analysts warn tech firms may exploit loopholes or mount legal challenges to undermine the ban's effectiveness. "They'll comply just enough to avoid backlash but not so well that other countries follow suit," Scheeler said.
Fines for violations-up to A$49.5 million ($33 million)-are seen as negligible for multibillion-dollar companies. "It's a drop in the bucket," said Ari Lightman of Carnegie Mellon University.
A 'seatbelt moment' for social media?
Despite flaws, Scheeler views the ban as a necessary step. "Even imperfect regulation is better than nothing," he said. "Maybe it will work, maybe it won't, but at least we're trying something."
