Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
