Six months after the implementation of historic legislation aimed at prohibiting minors’ access to social media, Australia is facing significant challenges regarding the effectiveness of this law. The results of a recent study published by the British Medical Journal reveal that the regulation has had little impact on the online behaviors of adolescents. To address this situation, the Australian government is considering doubling the penalties imposed on platforms that do not comply with the law, increasing the fines to 99 million Australian dollars, or 60 million euros, in case of reoffending.
Context of Australian Legislation
The law adopted by Australia primarily aims to protect young users from the risks associated with inappropriate use of social media. The government is committed to combating the online presence of children on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Despite this initiative, it appears that few real changes have been observed in usage habits. Adolescents continue to circumvent restrictions by using tricks such as creating fake accounts or registering under adult names.
The Limited Impact of Current Regulation
Despite the commendable intentions of the legislation, a study conducted by Australian researchers revealed that it has not led to notable changes in the browsing behaviors of young people. By surveying over 400 adolescents before and after the law came into force, researchers observed a slight decrease in social media usage among 14 to 15-year-olds, while an increase was noted among users aged 16 and older. This raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory tools.
The Role of Technology Giants
The Australian government, represented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasized that technology companies are not doing enough to comply with the law and protect minors. Consequently, the regulator has launched an investigation into potential breaches by major social media platforms. This investigation aims to assess the extent of violations and adjust regulatory tools, imposing stricter penalties if necessary.
Strengthening the Regulator’s Powers
The new legislation will allow the online safety commissioner to require platforms to provide concrete evidence of the measures implemented to prevent access for those under 16. Furthermore, he will be able to demand information and documents not only from companies but also from age verification providers and app stores. This development aims to enhance the accountability of platforms and ensure that the legislation is rigorously enforced.
Similar Measures in Other Countries
The Australian initiative is attracting international interest, with several countries considering or implementing similar restrictions. The United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, for example, are examining laws to prohibit minors’ access to certain platforms. However, the challenges faced by Australia highlight the complexity of regulating social media and the need to continually adapt legislation in response to new circumventing methods used by young users.
Perspectives in France
In France, a similar bill is currently under review, prohibiting access for minors under 15 years old to social media. This legislation could come into force as early as next September, with distinctions made between platforms deemed harmful and those that are not. In case of non-compliance with obligations, companies could face sanctions imposed by the audiovisual regulator, Arcom. This development reflects the growing trend to regulate young people’s online access and protect their safety.
To illustrate the stakes of regulating social media, recent incidents such as the 5 million euro fine imposed on a social network for disseminating fraudulent cryptocurrency advertisements in Spain demonstrate that strict measures are already being implemented in several countries. Other investigations, such as those launched on TikTok and LinkedIn by the Irish media regulator, also testify to the commitment of authorities to effectively regulate these platforms.
