The Australian Government’s New Social Media Legislation: Is It the Best Solution?
The Australian Government’s recent proposal to restrict underage users from accessing platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram has sparked a significant debate.
The intent is clear: to protect young Australians from the harmful effects of social media. However, the method—forcing all users, not just minors, to verify their age—raises several critical questions about effectiveness, privacy, and unintended consequences.
A Question of Trust and Privacy
One of the most contentious issues surrounding this legislation is the requirement for all users to verify their age to continue using social platforms. Age verification sounds straightforward, but in practice, it necessitates the submission of personal identification data to these platforms.
Given the history of data breaches and misuse of personal information by major tech companies, it’s fair to ask:
- Can we trust these platforms to securely store our identities?
- What safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse or breaches of this sensitive data?
This approach could deter older users who are unwilling to share such information, leading to a potential mass exodus from social platforms.
Safety
How might this legislation affect individuals who use aliases to protect their identities. For example:
- Police officers, emergency workers, and social workers often use pseudonyms on social platforms to shield themselves and their families from potential harm.
- Victims of domestic violence or stalking rely on anonymity for their safety and well-being.
If these individuals are required to verify their legal identities, how will their privacy and safety be ensured? Would they be forced to either compromise their personal security or abandon the platforms entirely?
This adds another layer of complexity to the proposed solution. The government and platforms must address how sensitive cases like these will be handled to avoid endangering users who rely on anonymity for valid and critical reasons.
Further, the question arises:
- How will platforms verify identities while still allowing for alias use in these specific cases?
- What protocols will exist to protect verified data from misuse or leaks?
Without answers to these questions, the proposed solution risks alienating a segment of users who depend on these platforms for both professional and personal reasons.
The Root Problem: Content Moderation
Instead of focusing solely on banning underage users, should the government and platforms not address the real issue—the content itself? Bullying, disturbing content, and harmful behavior online affect users of all ages, not just minors.
Improving content moderation and creating safer online spaces would tackle the root cause of these concerns. Platforms should:
- Invest in more robust algorithms and human oversight to filter out harmful content.
- Enforce stricter penalties for accounts involved in harassment or bullying.
- Increase transparency in their moderation policies.
Lessons from History: Bans Don’t Always Work
History has repeatedly shown us that outright bans often lead to unintended consequences.
- The Prohibition Era in the United States saw a surge in illegal alcohol production and organised crime.
- The War on Drugs has struggled to eliminate substance abuse while creating underground markets.
If underage users are restricted, they may simply find workarounds, like using fake accounts or accessing alternative platforms with less oversight. Meanwhile, law-abiding adult users may leave these platforms altogether, reducing their social and professional utility.
A Balanced Approach is Needed
The intention behind the proposed legislation is admirable, but the execution needs careful consideration to avoid alienating users and creating new problems. A balanced approach might include:
- Enhanced parental controls to empower families to monitor and limit children’s social media use.
- Mandatory education on digital literacy and online safety for young users.
- Collaborating with platforms to improve content moderation rather than imposing blanket restrictions.
What’s Next?
The success of this legislation will depend on how it’s implemented and whether it prioritises user safety without compromising privacy or trust. The debate around these changes should focus not only on the protection of minors but also on fostering a healthier and more responsible online ecosystem for all users.
Do you think mandatory age verification is the best way forward? Or should the focus shift to holding platforms accountable for the content they host?