Khaberni - In a step described as the "first domino" in an anticipated global series to curb the power of technology giants, the "Meta" platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Threads) have indeed started to shut down hundreds of thousands of Australian teenage accounts under the age of 16, just days before the new law comes into effect on December 10.
A comprehensive ban on social media for children
Australian e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in her speech during the "Sydney Dialogue" on cybersecurity today (Thursday): "We have reached a critical turning point, our data has become the currency that fuels these companies, and there are deceptive, powerful, and harmful design features that even adults can't resist, so what about our children?"
Grant explained that she was initially concerned about the "harsh approach" that completely banned those under 16 from using social media, but the gradual regulatory changes previously proved inadequate, so she shifted to supporting the full ban.
Governments around the world are monitoring the situation
She noted that governments around the world are closely watching the Australian experiment, describing the law as the "first domino to fall," which prompted the platforms to fiercely resist for over a year before Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube announced final compliance, despite the threat of fines that could reach 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 33 million US dollars).
According to statistics from the Australian e-Safety Authority, 96% of Australian teenagers under 16 – that is, more than one million teenagers out of the total population of 27 million – own accounts on social media.
The application from today
Starting today, Thursday, "Meta" platforms began to ban accounts automatically, while other platforms sent messages to minor users asking them to download their photos and contact lists, and giving them the choice of either deleting their account permanently or freezing it until they reach 16 years of age.
American pressure
On another note, Commissioner Grant revealed that the lobbying groups affiliated with the platforms reached the extent of rallying the US government against the Australian law, as she received an official invitation to appear before the Judiciary Committee in the US House of Representatives to answer accusations of "attempting to impose extraterritorial authority on American free speech."
Grant responded sarcastically: "Just sending me a letter and requesting my appearance before the committee is also an exercise of the same extraterritorial authority."
It is expected that the Australian law will ignite similar legislations in other countries, and it is viewed as the first real and comprehensive confrontation between a nation-state and the global technology giants.
