The Australian regulator announced on Tuesday an investigation targeting technology giants, accused of violating the ban on social networks for those under 16. In December, Australia became the first country to ban social networks for children.
It was subsequently imitated by several nations such as Indonesia and Brazil, while in France Parliament is currently examining a project along the same lines.
“Even though social media platforms have taken some initial steps, I am concerned […] by the fact that some may not be doing enough to comply with Australian law,” said online safety manager Julie Inman Grant, citing Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube by name.
There are “serious concerns” that Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube may have breached the ban, added Julie Inman Grant: “As a result, we are now moving to an enforcement posture.”
Up to 25 million euros fine
Companies targeted by this ban face fines of up to 25 million euros (23 million francs) if they are found guilty of breaching Australian law.
“They can choose to comply or face increasing consequences, including a profound erosion of their reputation with governments and consumers around the world,” Julie Inman Grant said. She explained that she expected opposition from the giants of the sector, especially since “this reform puts an end to 20 years of well-established habits on social networks”.
In Australia, platforms are solely responsible for ensuring that their users based in the country are over 16 years old. Some say they use artificial intelligence (AI) tools that determine age from photographs and some users may choose to upload identification.
Most affected companies have pledged to follow the law, but warned it could push teens to less regulated and more dangerous platforms. The site Reddit filed an appeal against the Australian ban, which it described as “legally erroneous”.
